2003 Chevy Silverado

[ladylincoln]

I have a 2003 chevy Silverado. It has antifreeze in the oil. I removed the intake and the heads and the gaskets appear fine. Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be?
Thanks

[tempfixit]

I suggest getting the heads, intake manafluxed for cracks and check for warpage.

Did you do a cooling system pressure test before disassembling to find coolant leak?

[ladylincoln]

No, I didn't. I have taken the heads to a automotive machine shop to be tested for cracks. I have been told that chevrolet had some bad heads during certain years.

thanks

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ladylincoln

No, I didn't. I have taken the heads to a automotive machine shop to be tested for cracks. I have been told that chevrolet had some bad heads during certain years.

thanks

I never heard about these heads having problems.....the engines blocks though have had bad castings on some....causing this leakage into the oil...

what type coolant do you use ? what was the coolants condition when this job was started..

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ladylincoln

No, I didn't. I have taken the heads to a automotive machine shop to be tested for cracks. I have been told that chevrolet had some bad heads during certain years.

thanks

If this has radiator engine oil cooler driverside ...check for leaks in the oil cooler...

these heads require NEW bolts....you must not use the old bolts..when you remove the heads again check for cracks as mentioned earlier....head cracks in engines are possible ..depends on how vehicle is operated..

[ladylincoln]

I got the heads back and there was a crack just as I had heard about. The information I got came from a TSB. Thanks for the help!
Document ID# 1986750
2004 Chevrolet Chevy C Silverado - 2WD

Subject:Information on Gradual Coolant Loss Over Time with No Evidence of Leak Found #06-06-01-019B - (06/12/2007)

Models:2004-2006 Buick Rainier
2001-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models
2001-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Blazer, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer Models
2001-2006 GMC Envoy, Jimmy, Sierra, Yukon Models
2001-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
2005-2006 Saab 9-7X
with 4.8L or 5.3L VORTEC® GEN III, GEN IV V8 Engine (VINs V, T, M, B, Z -- RPOs LR4, LM7, LH6, L33, L59)

This bulletin is being revised to include engine RPO L59. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-06-01-019A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Some vehicles may experience a gradual coolant loss over time. A very low percentage of cylinder head(s) manufactured with an embossed Castech logo may develop a porosity crack in a very specific area.

Inspect the cylinder head assembly to determine if the casting was manufactured by Castech. This can be accomplished by inspecting for their casting logo located on top of the intake port, under the rocker arm support rail and in the spring deck cavity portion of the cylinder head.

Important: If the cylinder head(s) are Not a Castech casting, follow normal diagnostic procedures in SI to determine the cause of the coolant loss.

Refer to the following illustrations on how to identify Castech casting and/or the very specific areas of the cylinder head(s) for a coolant leak from porosity.




Cylinder head(s) location of the Castech manufacturing casting logo (1).




Close up view of the cylinder head(s) showing the Castech manufacturing casting logo (1).




If the cylinder head(s) is a Castech casting (1), inspect the area around the five oil drain holes for witness marks indicating coolant seepage over time (2).

Important: If No evidence of coolant loss is found on inspection of Castech casting cylinder head(s), follow normal diagnostic procedures in SI to determine the cause of the coolant loss.




The crack location can be found in any of the five cylinder head(s) oil drains. This can be seen as a clean or shiny area, on an otherwise stained surface (1). Pressurizing the cooling system at this time may reveal coolant, air, or a combination, weeping in the described area. If inspection reveals evidence of coolant witness marks (1), replace the entire cylinder head(s) assembly.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Document ID# 1986750
2004 Chevrolet Chevy C Silverado -

[rond201]

Oh Boy! Another problem found in these trucks!!!!!

[mwid73]

If I'm reading this correctly this is on the 4.8L and 5.3L engines only. I just bought an '02 with a 6.0L. Anybody heard of this problem in the 6.0L engine?