leaking radiator fluid

[mrprez]

My 96 Jimmy is leaking major amounts of radiator fluid and I am unable to see the source. It is on the passenger side of the block but as yet I haven't found the exact source. I suspect a freeze plug. Any suggestions.

[Rick Norwood]

How much is Major? A quart, a gallon, a few drops, a steady stream?

Go to Auto Zone a borrow a pressure cap. It is a radiator cap with a small tire pump on it. Fill the radiator with water and pump up the system with the engine off and cool. Pump it up to the pressure rating shown on your real radiator cap. You should be able to safely crawl under the truck and see exactly where the fluid is leaking from. Have a flashlight and mirror ready to help with the inspection. you should be able to spot the leak easily.

[mrprez]

Originally Posted by Rick Norwood

How much is Major? A quart, a gallon, a few drops, a steady stream?

Go to Auto Zone a borrow a pressure cap. It is a radiator cap with a small tire pump on it. Fill the radiator with water and pump up the system with the engine off and cool. Pump it up to the pressure rating shown on your real radiator cap. You should be able to safely crawl under the truck and see exactly where the fluid is leaking from. Have a flashlight and mirror ready to help with the inspection. you should be able to spot the leak easily.

Thanks for the response Rick. Major means it took two gallons to replenish. I dug into it more after my post and found the leak. It is coming from where the intake manifold mates to the block, almost directly under the heater hose fitting. It is coming from under the manifold! Doesn't sound to good does it.

[96JimmySLE]

I had to change my intake gaskets as well on my '96. They're not too hard to do. Just make sure that you mark the distributer and rotor prior to removing it. Also, make sure you clean the heads and the oil valley of all the old gasket and sealant. Cut a piece of cardboard to cover the oil valley so you dan't get any thing down into the engine when you clean off the old gaskets. Good luck.

[Rick Norwood]

Glad you found the leak. Let us know how the fix goes, especially any pointers tthat might help someone else.

Good luck.