Losing Coolant

[bigaldover]

Hey everyone,

I have a 89 Blazer. I topped up the coolant last week, and all has been fine. I am getting ready to safety it, so I tested the defroster. Heat works fine but I noticed that my coolant level has gone down.

With the heat on I smell antifreeze. So I figure the heater core has a leak.

My concern is I am wondering If there is other coolant problems like a head gasket. How can I check without pulling the whole engine apart.

The plugs are clean (carbonned up) but no rust.

I am hoping to use this blazer as my main mode of transoprtation soon.

Any suggestions info is greatly appreciated.

Allan

[pcv]

You may be right by saying that you have a heatercore leaking. Pressure test the cooling system and confirm that leak. Replace it if it is leaking. If left unattended, if may lead to overheating and eventually ruin your head gasket.
If the spark plugs look black, you are okay. If one of them looks whiteish, then that particular cylinder may be starting to burn coolant. If the coolant burning is not excessive, it is hard to tell what's gonna happen in the future. Do the heatercore first and go from there. Good Luck.

[bigaldover]

Hey pcv,

Thanks for the tip. I will be working on the truck tonight, I have abs brakes and getting a dump valve error.

I have pulled and replaced 2 plugs plugs 2 and 4 so far they were carboned up no whitish colour.

Once I have changed all the plugs, I am going to check the heater core. If memory serves I have to drop the black housing inside the cab then I will have access to the heater core, If there is water/coolant in the ducts its a no brainer. I will pull of the core and flush it and see if I have any leaks.

Once again Thanks for replying.

Allan

[bigaldover]

Hey pvc,

Took 2 hours to get the heater core out from behind the dash. A special thanks to GM engineering who deeemed it necesary to remove the radio to get at one of the screws holding the shroud on.

My Heater core has 3 white spots on it were it looks like it was leaking.I have flushed it with water and the level is trickling down with gravity.

Replacing the heater core ( tomorow night will be fun. I am going to get a flush kit and bypass the new heater core and flush out the cooling system with clean water.

After this I have to figure out my ABS Brake problem, and I will get the truck safetied and on the road.

Thanks

Allan