Head Gasket?

2000 Chevy Silverado 4.8 ...about 156,000 mi

The truck has been using small amounts of coolant for a while, but about a week ago I got a low coolant light....I checked and the reservoir was down about 3/4 " from where it had been last. Also, I have been smelling coolant intermittently when I turn on the fan in my truck. From what little I know, I figure this is probably a head gasket leak, but wanted some more expertise before I spend the money to fix it. So I'd appreciate the input on what you think it is, and also if you would recommend replacing the head bolts if the gasket is indeed the problem. I read a parts site saying that new bolts should be installed, but didn't know whether to believe it or not.

Thanks

2000 Chevy Silverado 4.8 ...about 156,000 mi

The truck has been using small amounts of coolant for a while, but about a week ago I got a low coolant light....I checked and the reservoir was down about 3/4 " from where it had been last. Also, I have been smelling coolant intermittently when I turn on the fan in my truck. From what little I know, I figure this is probably a head gasket leak, but wanted some more expertise before I spend the money to fix it. So I'd appreciate the input on what you think it is, and also if you would recommend replacing the head bolts if the gasket is indeed the problem. I read a parts site saying that new bolts should be installed, but didn't know whether to believe it or not.

Thanks


these vehicles require dexcool and distilled water ...if this was not used and tap/well water was used instead the engine will corrode...the area that usually fails first is the water pump /engine gasket area as the metal and gasket there is thin...

if you do have a head gasket issue the check engine light will come on ...If you do the head gasket all the head bolts must be replaced ..this is all explained in the OEM repair manual ...

the other area very common is the quick or not so quick disconnects to the heater core at the fire wall....

If you're smelling coolant when you turn on the HVAC fan, I would suspect a leaking heater core.

Looks like the heater core might take a little while to get in to...is there any way to test this to make sure this is the problem before i start into this project?

Sure, remove both hoses from the core and connect them together. It will take an adapter that has 3/4" on one side and 5/8" on the other. Most auto parts stores will have it. Put a couple of hose clamps on and drive it. If the smell is gone, it's the heater core!

Looks like the heater core might take a little while to get in to...is there any way to test this to make sure this is the problem before i start into this project?
I use air pressure to check for leaks like this..remove hoses from engine/water pump that go to the heater core then with a pressure guage hooKed up pump 10-15psi of air into the heatercore/hoses that go to the heatercore..then use soapy water to check for leaks at the quick disconnects at fire wall....air pressure should hold steady NO LEAKS...

Thanks for the tips guys!