94 Coolant Leak

[Hardhide]

I've got a 1994 with the 4.3L V6.

Last Thursday, coolant began leaking (pouring) from the bottom of the bell housing when I got home. The truck didn't run hot. It was late and dark, so I made arrangements for another ride and parked the truck until I could look at it Saturday.

On Saturday, I filled it back with water and I couldn't get it to leak again. Ran it for about 10 miles and nothing. Today, the leak started back again. It is pouring water out as fast as I can add it with the hose.

I searched the forum, and found several folks that have had problems with intake manifold gaskets. I've used an inspection mirror and also felt around looking for moisture at the rear of the intake manifold and it doesn't seem to be coming from there. I can't find a picure of the 4.3L that shows the location of all the freeze plugs, but I'm beginning to think that is what it is.

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

[2000CAYukon]

The fact that it is coming from the bell housing probably means a freeze plug at the rear of the block.

//2000CAYukon

[Hardhide]

I'm pretty sure that it has to be the freeze plugs in the rear like you suggest. I'll drop the transmission and drive plate this weekend and see for sure.

Thanks for the reply!
Mike

[MyTOY]

An intake or heater hose connection leak will also end
up leaking out of the bellhousing. I would check the heater
hose connection at the intake for evidence. I could never
catch mine leaking but it was shot. It leaked down along
the engine and dripped out bottom of trans. The rest probably
burned off at the exhaust manifold. My 97 has the connection
at the front of the intake manifold. I believe your 94 has it
at the back

[Hardhide]

Thanks to 2000CAYukon and MyTOY for the help. I dropped the transmission & flex plate and found one of the freeze plugs had a small hole rusted through it. I replaced both plugs in the rear and have just finished putting everything together. It's back to normal.

Thanks again for the help.

Mike