97 Blazer LT

[bkhuff]

I recently flushed and filled the coolant system. I also replaced the radiator cap. Since then, I have experienced problem maintaining coolant level. I do not see any leaks, but I'm definitely losing inventory. Also, whenever I accelerate from a dead stop I notice a sound like trickling water behind my dashboard. It does this even after I have just filled the cooling system. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Fractured1]

It sounds to me like you could possibly have some air still in you cooling system...the water you hear in your dash would be air in you heater core and as the air slowly works out you are replacing it with coolant that you add...

[bkhuff]

Thanks. I'm still concerned that there may be something more to this. I performed the flush/refill over a month ago. Since then I've added about 3 gal. of fluid as makeup.

[Fractured1]

WOW, that's alot...your system is only 3 gal....any white smoke and are you sure your petcock is tight, check your oil also to see if coolant is getting in your crankcase..

[barpat96]

I had a similar problem a year ago. loosing coolant but no apparent leaks. When I took the radiator cap off, it looked as if someone stomped it in mud. It ran hot a few times (especially when the coolant got low) so I added more and went on down the road. This went like this for a few months then the squeaking started. I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and did a flush and fill. This seemed to fix the problem.
It has been several months now and so far no problems. The guiness who created the DEX-CRAP should be drug out in the road and shot. I have read horror stories about this coolant.

Good Luck

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by bkhuff

I recently flushed and filled the coolant system. I also replaced the radiator cap. Since then, I have experienced problem maintaining coolant level. I do not see any leaks, but I'm definitely losing inventory. Also, whenever I accelerate from a dead stop I notice a sound like trickling water behind my dashboard. It does this even after I have just filled the cooling system. Has anyone else experienced this?

You have some air in the system still.

This is a easy fix.

When you first go to the truck in the morning, pop open the rad cap and see if it is up to the top.

It should be almost pouring out. If it is low, top it up. What you are seeing is the coolant displacing the air in your system and replacing it with coolant.

This will continue until it is all out and the gurgling will stop.

[JoulesWinfield]

It makes sense that you would have some air still in the system, but as prev. stated not 3 gallons.
If you never see any puddles make sure your carpet isnt wet (heater core?). Also check your oil and make sure its not milky (head gasket?).

[BlazerLT]

Yip, if not, the level is constantly dropping because it is still working the air pockets out and displacing and replacing the air with coolant. Keep adding it and it will eventually stop dropping and remain constant once all the air is gone.

[bkhuff]

Thanks guys. I'll keep adding for awhile before I make any drastic moves.

[flagship202]

Hello 97 Blazer LT, I experienced a similar problem with my 97 as you are. My coolant level seemed to go down slowly with no sign of any leaks. It turned out to be a slow leak from the back side of the intake manifold. I dont know if the coolant evaporated while driving or what but until it got bad I never noticed any leaks on the ground. One thing I did notice though was the smell of antifreeze as I exited the vehicle immeadiately after driving. Hope this helps. Flagship

[ricksza]

Originally Posted by flagship202

Hello 97 Blazer LT, I experienced a similar problem with my 97 as you are. My coolant level seemed to go down slowly with no sign of any leaks. It turned out to be a slow leak from the back side of the intake manifold. I dont know if the coolant evaporated while driving or what but until it got bad I never noticed any leaks on the ground. One thing I did notice though was the smell of antifreeze as I exited the vehicle immeadiately after driving. Hope this helps. Flagship

GM had a lot of problems after a full coolant drain, with air pockets in the heater core which will give the gurgling noise. The last one I had, they wanted me to jack up the front end about 2 feet and run it for about an hour to purge all the air out. It worked.

[bkhuff]

I finally noticed some leakage today. The water pump is shot. Not a fun job. But at least I know where my coolant is going. Thanks for the info.

[BlazerLT]

Actually, it is not a huge job at all.

Just get a Haynes or Chilton's repair manual to aid in your repair.

[chcknugget]

I see you solved your problem, but I thought I'd add that I had a crack in my plastic radiator tank at one point. It would leak slowly, so if anyone else is having problems it could be that as well.