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99 Tahoe Coolant Leak


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gene040
05-20-2007, 05:04 PM
I have a coolant leak that has been increasing over the last few months and I am somewhat stumped. It is dripping from 3 or 4 places at the front and back of the engine.

I replaced the intake seals about 2 years ago with the stronger gaskets (8 hours of pain, suffering and frustration, but $500 saved). I replaced the heater quick coupler about a year ago (had to perform surgery on the piece that broke off in the intake). So I am reasonably confident that it is not these things, since I found them the first time and know what to look for.

From what I can tell the leaks seem to be coming from the seal between the head and the block. Now from what I read, typically the head gasket failure means coolant in your oil, not coolant seeping out of the engine. Has anyone seen a coolant leak like this due to head gaskets? Can I have my oil tested to see if there is coolant in it? This might back up my head gasket guess.

One other thing I have checked while trying to find the leak is freeze plugs, but I can see most of them and they don't appear to be leaking, so I think they are less likely the problem.

Hopefully the experts can enlighten me.

horse482
05-20-2007, 10:28 PM
You can try putting u/v dye in the cooling system and use a black light to locate the origin of the leak, or get a pressure tester and pressurize the system and see if you can detect it that way.

MT-2500
05-21-2007, 10:10 AM
As said a pressure test and dye test will tell the story.
Clean or wash engine off and test cold and warm and hot.
Check the intake gaskets real close and also the heater hose and or the heater hose fittings on the intake.
Head gaskets very seldom leak to the out side.
And oil coolant in oil is not always from a head gasket.
MT

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