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Hello all,
I think I found the source of a coolant leak by doing a coolant pressure test as suggested by ETCG suggestion. I have included a video of what I found, however, please excuse my video shooting skills. It is short and kind of hard to see, so hope it helps.
I can hear coolant “bubbling” in some spots where the head gasket is. So, I’m thinking this is a pretty good result of my diagnose that tells me the leak is from the head gasket. Is there any other way to triple check this? I know this could be a tedious job, so I want to make sure this is it. Also, how hard of a job is it involved? I know is tedious for sure, but would love to take up on the challenge of doing it myself.
The first video shows the area beneath the accelerator cables, it seems like coolant seeps more in this area. The second (shorter video) shows coolant coming through the head gasket just above where the water pump is located ( note is not the connection of the water pump, just above it).
A brief history of the leak: Started long time ago when I was living in Canada (maybe 2 years+/-), I could smell coolant, but I couldn’t tell where the leak was and didn’t notice any significant coolant loss, no overheat maybe after several months had to top it off. Drove this car last year to AZ and now the leak it has gotten bad. Coolant loss is very noticeable and level goes down fast. Also, I should note the leak happens only when the engine is running and after is warm. Once other thing that happened at the beginning of the problem, I could hear coolant noise when accelerating down by the heater core. I tried to solve this by purging the air but no results. So, my guess now is that air was always in the system because of the leak?
You guys are awesome thanks for the help and for reading. SD
Francisco
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Ok…sorry I was try to post I video I realized I could not. Here are some pics of the area where I can hear coolant coming out.
Tough to see exactly the context without a larger view, but if it’s seeping between heads and block, then you’re spot on.
It’s involved. Radiator, then anything in the way or connected to heads, plenum, etc.. Figure the vehicle will be in pieces for at least 2 weekends if you’re working on it in your free time, and you don’t have a lot of experience with this. Going to need all the tools to get into everywhere, yank the timing belt, balancer, belt(s), and so. You will also want to line up a local machinist in your area beforehand as well, ask for pricing, as the head(s) you will likely wish to resurface. As you’ve got it apart anyhow, you’ll likely wish to replace the timing belt, water pump, and various other little things that are usually harder to get at.
Good luck, let us know how it goes, or what you decide.
Be sure to double check to see if it’s not the intake gasket. Those are famous for leaking. As for verifying a head gasket leak. If it’s going into the combustion chamber, you can use the method shown in this video to find it.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Hi Eric how do I check for intake manifold leak? I will do the combustion test as well unfortunately won’t have much time this weekend but I will keep you posted on progress for sure. So, for my knowledge if it is internal then I won’t see antifreeze at it all dripping wouldn’t i? I thought internal you won’t be able to see coolant leaks at all. I guess it could be a combination of both? Thx!
Afraid in this case that’s not really applicable, as it’s coolant leaking (potentially) from the plenum/intake from the pressurized coolant going through the plenum/manifold. Stupid nissan xterra I’ve helped a friend with was the same type of design. Wasn’t aware Blazers of this vintage did the same thing.
That’s an odd place to find coolant since no coolant runs through the intake manifold at that location. It’s hard to tell from your pics but I believe there is a coolant hose quick connect there and are bad for leaking down on to the intake manifold.
Yeah I think that video is for vaccum leaks not coolant. So what’s the best way to check if indeed is a manifold leak? I’m away right now by I’ll try to post a picture with a larger view.
Where is exactly this quick connect hose located at and where does it comes from wysetech? This could potentially be the source of the leak. Thx guysI can’t tell from your photos and I have been trying to picture what coolant hoses run where on your truck. If there are any coolant hoses above the throttle cables they are suspect.
The other possibility is the intake gasket is leaking at the drivers side front or rear and running along the top of the intake and pooling in the area in your pic.
I wish I can post the video is not great but you can hear the bubbles coming out in this area when pressure test it
That area is no where near the head gasket. Sitting here thinking it’s possible that the intake manifold is cracked or damaged in some way in that area. Coolant runs in that area to keep the throttle body warm. I have never seen it but I guess it’s possible.
Ok… Like I said I currently don’t have access to my car now but doing some research and looking at this: http://www.handymanlyness.com/archives/auto/repair/engine_mech/intake_manifold/GM_truck/gasket_replace_99_Jimmy.html
I think I have the same lower intake manifold leak. See attached picture where I found evidence of coolant leak when doing the test.
Yeah, I think you found the answer. That’s a very good article too. It’s been a couple of years since I had one apart so that Pic refreshes my thoughts. Good luck and keep us posted.
Hey guys, I have been busy with for and finally got to this. Here is an update, see pictures for gaskets failures I found. I do have a few questions though:
1. When I was pulling out the lower intake manifold small particles of gasket material fell in the engine part. Whats best way to remove this compressed air or is this bad idea? Better to vacuum? Also small amounts of antifreeze fell in this area, which I know the combo of antifreeze and oil is not good, what can I do? Im thinking on doing an oil change after the job is done but not sure if this would solve this issue?
2. I heard the Dex-cool antifreeze causes this leaks. Also found a lot of sludge in the coolant system, so Im thinking to switching to conventional green antifreeze. Any issues with this? I know GM recommends the dex-cool crap, but this seems to be bad. I assume if I do this I need to flush the cooling system?
3. While Im at it Im thinking on replacing the valves cover gaskets. I found significant amount of oil around this area and it seems easily accessible. If I do this I don’t necessarily need to mess with the valves? I don’t really want to adjust them after.Thanks for your help.
1. Shop vac – change oil
3. The valve cover is only that – no connection to the valves – only keeps oil in.
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