Coolant Leak at Top, Rear of Motor? - '96 S'brbn

[stb100]

Hey,
Thanks in advance for your help on this. This has been an off and on problem. Last July, before a 600 mile trip, saw coolant leaking at sort of rapid pace...every second or 2. Viewed from side, it's coming from rear of engine. No visible leaks anywhere on topside w/ hood up, unless at back, which I can't see. A shop said $1000 to fix, may be a gasket? Guy topped it off back in July, said monitor it. It has never leaked a drop since then till today... took the 600 mile trip, etc, etc.

Any likely culprits for this? ALSO, is there a coolant additive to stop a leak like this w/o hosing up whole system?

THANKS -- Steve in VA

[2000CAYukon]

More than likely, it is the intake manifold gaskets as the original gaskets were prone to leaking. Fel-Pro makes an updated gasket that is better than the original design.

I would not recommend a stop leak to fix this. It could cause problems later (clogged heater core or radiator).

//2000CAYukon

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by stb100

Hey,
Thanks in advance for your help on this. This has been an off and on problem. Last July, before a 600 mile trip, saw coolant leaking at sort of rapid pace...every second or 2. Viewed from side, it's coming from rear of engine. No visible leaks anywhere on topside w/ hood up, unless at back, which I can't see. A shop said $1000 to fix, may be a gasket? Guy topped it off back in July, said monitor it. It has never leaked a drop since then till today... took the 600 mile trip, etc, etc.

Any likely culprits for this? ALSO, is there a coolant additive to stop a leak like this w/o hosing up whole system?

THANKS -- Steve in VA

\

Steve;


Are you sure that this vehicle has DEXcool GM approved coolant in the system...? Did you or your repair shop put non dexcool GM approved coolant into the system ?? compatible coolants are dangerous ,, as they will cause the problems you describe....bad gaskets NO ...metal corroded YES...


This is how these engines will react if you or [repair tech] are not careful , and put the wrong fluids into them...


this could be 1000 dollars if the metal is damaged badly..also future failures are expected if not properly repaired...


This includes the heater core , which if it is leaking , will require the removal of the entire dash.. as you can Imagine this is a big expense....

Why would a repair tech use non dexcool???? DEXCOOL COSTS MORE....


stop leak is not recommended as this engine is impossible to drain completely , and this could plug up the small coolant passageways causing hot spots in the engine...


bars stop leak in small amounts could slow the leak.. temp fix...

[stb100]

Thanks. He topped it with water.

Have read lots of posts, etc about stop leak stuff -- most leaning heavily toward DON'T do it as stuff will clog causing more and worse problems. Other hand, some folks write they swear by it.

JCAT, you say Bar's in small amounts is OK and won't hose up everything?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by stb100

Thanks. He topped it with water.

Have read lots of posts, etc about stop leak stuff -- most leaning heavily toward DON'T do it as stuff will clog causing more and worse problems. Other hand, some folks write they swear by it.

JCAT, you say Bar's in small amounts is OK and won't hose up everything?

If you have a clean properly maintained coolant system with only dexcool used and no other coolant types this is possible , to use bars stop leak in small amounts...over a period of time ...adding will reduce, and may even stop the leak... most who have problems using these products put too much in a time...and they have a damaged coolant system...



I have found on these forums that vehicle owners that live in warm areas think anti freeze is only to prevent freezing ....that anti freeze is ""optional ""....unless you have 50% dexcool in your system you will pay a lot more in the long run ...



I use 65% dexcool in my engines with no problems , I have seen the coolant damage that occurs with this dexcool and other coolants its a total disaster...

good luck ..

[richtazz]

There is a quick disconnect fitting at the right rear corner of the intake that is a know issue. They get old and crack, causing a leak. Dorman/Motormite makes an aftermarket version of this connector, and the part number is 800-401. They can be a nightmare to replace, as they very often snap off inside the intake as soon as you touch them.

[stb100]

Chose not to use Bar's Leak stop. Mechanic who just fixed it suspected the other shop might have put some in back in July when it 1st started...maybe explaining why it didn't appear to leak again till end of September...

Anyway,had intake mani gasket replaced by a great mechanic at JP Auto Service, Chantilly, VA. Put in new Fel-pro steel gasket. Replaced coolant. Runs great. $600.00 total. Dealer wanted $1000-1200

THANKS for all the great advice.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by stb100

Chose not to use Bar's Leak stop. Mechanic who just fixed it suspected the other shop might have put some in back in July when it 1st started...maybe explaining why it didn't appear to leak again till end of September...

Anyway,had intake mani gasket replaced by a great mechanic at JP Auto Service, Chantilly, VA. Put in new Fel-pro steel gasket. Replaced coolant. Runs great. $600.00 total. Dealer wanted $1000-1200

THANKS for all the great advice.

600 is not too bad....1200 is robbery...the stop leak is a great product , if the coolant system is CLEAN , it will give you some period of time to repair...or stop it ...with out causing damage...


remember to only use dexcool and no other compatible types...keep 50% dexcool at least..

thank you for the report good luck