Intake leak

jtmarten · #1 03-22-2009, 09:34 PM

I have a small coolant leak at the front corner of the lower intake on my '96 K2500, 454, 150K miles. Looks like the gaskets have been replaced before. It leaks just a small amount after shutting it off; it doesn't seem to leak while running, it is not leaking internally. It takes 1500-2000mi to go from correct 'cold' level in the overflow to nearly empty.

How critical is it to replace the lower intake gaskets? I'm only concerned because I'm traveling from Colo Springs to the Detroit area to pick up a new boat the last week of April. The boat should weigh around 7000lbs so I'll be nowhere near the 10K towing capacity, but I'm sure she'll run hotter.

Will this just continue as-is until I fix it, or could it catastrophically blow out leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere?

Anyone know the avg price to have the gaskets replaced? If it were nice & warm prior to my trip I'd do it myself, but the dang thing is too long to get in my garage, close the door, AND have room in front to work on it.

Airjer_ · #2 03-23-2009, 01:12 AM

They only get worse, never do they get better! If you don't wan't to worry about it than now is the time to fix it. Don't wait until a couple days before you plan on heading out on your trip just in case something doesn't go according to plan!!

j cAT · #3 03-23-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

I have a small coolant leak at the front corner of the lower intake on my '96 K2500, 454, 150K miles. Looks like the gaskets have been replaced before. It leaks just a small amount after shutting it off; it doesn't seem to leak while running, it is not leaking internally. It takes 1500-2000mi to go from correct 'cold' level in the overflow to nearly empty.

How critical is it to replace the lower intake gaskets? I'm only concerned because I'm traveling from Colo Springs to the Detroit area to pick up a new boat the last week of April. The boat should weigh around 7000lbs so I'll be nowhere near the 10K towing capacity, but I'm sure she'll run hotter.

Will this just continue as-is until I fix it, or could it catastrophically blow out leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere?

Anyone know the avg price to have the gaskets replaced? If it were nice & warm prior to my trip I'd do it myself, but the dang thing is too long to get in my garage, close the door, AND have room in front to work on it.

what coolant are you using ? is it dexcool ?

jtmarten · #4 03-23-2009, 10:25 AM

Yep, dexcool. Is that good or bad? Was in there when I purchased the Sub in Nov.

jtmarten · #5 03-23-2009, 09:51 PM

Well I got a few quotes. The local Meineke wants $850, the Chevy dealer is only $675!

Question on the gaskets though. I've seen references to using the Felpro set. I've been told that Felpro makes all the gaskets for GM, is that so? And if so, is it the same gasket set? I want to use the set with the highest probability of never having to fix this again.

Thanks!

j cAT · #6 03-24-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

Well I got a few quotes. The local Meineke wants $850, the Chevy dealer is only $675!

Question on the gaskets though. I've seen references to using the Felpro set. I've been told that Felpro makes all the gaskets for GM, is that so? And if so, is it the same gasket set? I want to use the set with the highest probability of never having to fix this again.

Thanks!

when the engine is disasembled the repair of the corroded metal on the gasket mating surfaces of the engine is important....

IF THIS IS NOT DONE CORRECTLY IT WILL FAIL AGAIN..

THE replacement of the dexcool with the proper ratio to distilled water should also prevent future corrosion ...

jtmarten · #7 03-24-2009, 10:54 AM

Thanks j cAT

Are you saying its best to replace the dexcool with reg coolant, or flush & replace with fresh dexcool?

jtmarten · #8 03-24-2009, 10:56 AM

Anyone have a part # for the steel Felpro set? It sounds like the dealer uses a plastic gasket.

j cAT · #9 03-25-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

Thanks j cAT

Are you saying its best to replace the dexcool with reg coolant, or flush & replace with fresh dexcool?

NO!

replacement of the DEXCOOL with NEW dexcool and distilled water is what is needed to ensure no further coolant corrosion problems...

changing coolant TYPE is not recommended .....this is because the residue of the old coolant can not be removed,hoses ,rad,and the internal engine passage ways will hold some coolant ...

mixing coolant TYPES will quickly destroy the engines coolant system..

jtmarten · #10 03-25-2009, 09:27 AM

OK thanks! I'll have the dealer do a coolant flush as well as the intake gaskets.

j cAT · #11 03-25-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

OK thanks! I'll have the dealer do a coolant flush as well as the intake gaskets.

since your gonna tow a 7000lb boat install an external transmission cooler....you live in mountain country and towing a load like that with your equiptment will get the engine transmission hot...becaue of the age you want to keep the power train as cool as possible..

replace the transmission fluid as well as the rear diff...oil..

jtmarten · #12 03-25-2009, 09:49 AM

Right after I purchased it I had both diffs and transfer case serviced. Tranny fluid/filter were changed just before I got it.

So are the factory tranny and oil coolers insufficient?

j cAT · #13 03-26-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

Right after I purchased it I had both diffs and transfer case serviced. Tranny fluid/filter were changed just before I got it.

So are the factory tranny and oil coolers insufficient?

if you have the factory engine oil cooler that is a BIG plus when towing in the mountains....this will ensure you will get max power when needed....as the engine temp will be kept proper..

the externally mounted transmission cooler is what should be installed,, if not already.....the internal to radiator transmission cooler does not help all that much....as it dumps heat into the engine cooling system..

jtmarten · #14 03-26-2009, 09:10 PM

It has the factory oil cooler and factory external tranny cooler. If I remember right the trans fluid goes through the radiator first, then through the external cooler. I should be set to tow without any heat issues.

j cAT · #15 03-26-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtmarten

It has the factory oil cooler and factory external tranny cooler. If I remember right the trans fluid goes through the radiator first, then through the external cooler. I should be set to tow without any heat issues.

that is a great tow vehicle....lets hope fuel prices stay reasonable...

last year I did not take out my 20ft wellcraft....fuel was too high..

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