99 Blazer Antifreze leak @ wheel well

[bmonier]

Hi all -

My 99 4WD 4D Blazer has an antifreze leak. I recently bought it - the coolant was a litttle low but didn't think anything really of it. So I filled it. A couple days later it was low again.

So today I filled it (thru the reservoir tank to the full cold level bc it's been sitting for 5 hours)--I walked around the passenger side to put the coolant away and the fresh antifreze was leaking a big puddle down the passenger side front mud flap!

I am taking it to a local shop on Friday for them to look at it and tell me what the damages are (so I can save up--it could take a month or two to do so). I am a girl. I know enough about cars to be dangerous, but I'm no whiz--especially with "modern" vehicles.

Can someone please give me their hypothesis as to what the problem could be so I can go in there at least halfway seem like I can't be taken for a ride?

To me, it would seem simple--a hose of some sort--but that's just me. If it were the heater core, wouldn't I smell antifreeze/get foggy windows? I bought the truck for cheap and knew I'd be needing repairs--I just didn't think it would be so imminent. There's also an oil leak from in front of the engine (not on the block--in front)--but that's for another post!

Help!

[JaVeRo]

The leak you spied could have been spilled while you were pouring or could be a leak in the hose going from the reservoir to the radiator which would be an easy fix. Other than that, you need to find where it is coming from. The cost could be anywhere from $5 to $2000. The 2000 is extreme and highly unlikely but possible.

If it is leaking as much as you say, finding where it is coming from should not be that hard.

James

[DelCoch]

The plastic reservoir tank probably has a crack in it and leaks.

[bmonier]

Not the hose from the reservoir to the radiator for sure.

Yknow...it is entirely possible, as embarrassed as I am to say, that it could have been a spill. It's killer windy here in the midwest right now--perhaps I spilled more than I thought. Will check it again after the commute and if need be--use a funnel! (Eek. I'm not a blonde--really!)

If I find it was a spill, I promise no more questions here without more thorough research!

[muddog321]

If the heater core leaks thats possible cause the drain for the AC condensor in the heater box is there. Now if the AC was on (like in FL) that always dumps plain old water about there. To test get the free loaner pressure tester at the auto store, fill the system up, pump the pressure up, and observe.

[yakko]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but I just went through this. Err, going through this.

Started with a smell in the cab of antifreeze. (knew it was heater core, but was hoping it wasn't bad)
Then overheating.
Changed theremostat. Didn't help. It wasn't holding fluid, like it was leaking somewhere slowly. Was so not wanting to change the water pump (have had some bad experiences with that on other cars) so I began looking elsewhere. Was also getting lots of brown crud in the system. Flushed thoroughly. While flushing, noticed a bad leak under the wheel well. Talked with a car guy that I know and he said may be heater core leak.
Bypassed the heater core. Leak quit.
(side note: I ended up having to change the water pump also, but that's a pretty easy job on the 99 blazer...surprisingly)
The cooling system works great right now with a major flush, new thermostat, new water pump and bypassed heater core. Only problem is... my girlfriend (her car), doesn't want to have to go this next winter without heat. So I'm going to try and change it over the summer.
From what I read on this site and others... it ain't gonna be fun at all.

So basically, if you're taking it to a shop, I'd expect a huge price quote to change the heater core, but since it's spring right now, you could just bypass the core and save up the megabucks before winter to get it done.
I use a backyard mechanic occasionally and he quoted me about five hundred in labor (the part only costs about $65). I can't begin to imagine what a shop or dealer will quote. Lemme know, will ya?

And by the way, there's a good thread on this site about changing the heater core. I think it's for a 98 blazez or S10, but it's the same thing.

Good luck.