Coolant leak on top of valve cover??

I have a 93 K1500 350 with 110000 on the odo. I have a coolant leak somewhere I can smell it but cant track it down. Im loosing a small amount of coolant but it isnt showing up in the oil fortunately.

The previous owner mentioned having a gasket replaced because of a coolant leak that was showing up on the top of the engine. I have looked it over and have found the top of the valve cover on the passenger side of the engine wet and rusty. I havent driven in the rain so thats not it. Really I dont see how coolant can get up there anyway.

I got the impession that it was a common problem but I tried doing a search here which provided nothing related to the issue.

Im just trying to get a feel for this because I also noticed today that the front transfer case seal is bleeding as well as off the bell of the manual tranny case.
This I was expecting as the tranny was in need when I bought the truck I paid $1000 so I cant complain the body is in great shape. Im just not prepared for a strange coolant leak.

Im just looking for an idea of how the coolant problems works into the cost of the rest of the repairs. Im not having the same place do both the repairs and I cant call around not knowing what the problem is with the coolant.

Thanks in advance,
Marcie

One of the places that I would look for is around the goose neck, they do carode were it meets the intake.
Another place maybe the water pump, it could be leaking from the weep hole in the pump. If you look behind the pully it may have antifreeze there and then the fan is blowing it back on the motor. Just a few guesses. Good luck.

this sounds very familiar, i had a 92 that leaked up top. it was the top side of the intake. i know you said the previous owner had it changed but, i would still suspect the intake manifold gaskets.

this sounds very familiar, i had a 92 that leaked up top. it was the top side of the intake. i know you said the previous owner had it changed but, i would still suspect the intake manifold gaskets.

Now that you mention it I think he did say it was the intake manifold gasket I think I was hoping that wasnt what it was.

How the heck does it get on the top of the valve cover? Will it get in the oil like my 3.4L V6 in the van? How much damage will it do if I get the drive train leak fixed first.

before you go and tear apart the top of your engine check at the very back on the passenger side for a spout with the heater core hose inserted into it,these are made of aluminum and have a seal inside.The hose will feel like its loose because of the way its made,look for rust colored water that has run down over the side of it.Its very easy to replace and not expensive to buy,I had to replace this on my 93 350 just today.

you can run an engine for a while with a leak like this but, there is a possibility of contaminating the lifters and that could get expensive. just replace it or you could just get the engine rebuilt :) 383 crate motor GMperformance parts.....

Check your thermostat gasket (where the top radiator hose connects to the motor) I have had one on my truck that most will evaporate before you know it; you can smell it; and the fan will blow it all over the engine compartment.

The gasket is like a buck at you local parts place. Get your self some Thermostat and Water pump RTV Silicone, put a small smear on both side; put it on, tighten it down. Then you should be good to go! Should take about 30mins and run about six dollars for everything. I would also replace the thermostat while I was in their; that’s a 5 dollar part. Everything is held on by two bolts.

Also; check you radiator out to see if it has a small leak. From a rock, or just getting old.