96 suburban leaking coolant

[laneco]

I'm a new 1996 owner. Just picked it up last night. A/C was recharged before I got there and everything seemed fine. Drove home (20 min.) with A/C on. My husband popped the hood right away and noticed coolant leaking out pretty steady. Had me turn on ac...heat.. turn them off...on...off..on. finally figured out it only leaks when hot/ cool air knob is on cold. fans dont matter either does ac on/off button. only the hot/cold knob. we are bummed...hubbie's very mechanical...but not sure where to start..... Otherwise the cars beautiful...loaded great looking very clean..142000 miles. Any ideas????

[SpitAndDirt]

I think you should check out my other thread, first. I have a 96' Z71 Ext Cab P/Up with 5.7L and have had four separate areas for leaks to occur. No biggie, I planned on having problems and I already knew about them. First the coolant nipple connected to the heater core hose. Two, the intake manifold gaskets. Three, the other heater core hose. Four, the radiator cracked just below the upper hose connection( New radiator from 1-800-Radiator was only like $212). If you have orange coolant have it flushed out professionally, and green put back in. But I outline most all the common problems I encountered in the post below. Don't be discouraged, your 96' was an excellent choice, you just need to know about the little things that annoy the hell out out of everyone. I love mine, bought it with 147,000 miles, but I planned to spend about $1200 fixing things that were neglected by the previous owner. Enjoy! -Chris

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=267196