The dreaded COOLANT leak!!!

[mbecke2]

1997 chevy 350 5.7 liter. Finally got the dreaded intake gasket leak. Appears coolant is leaking under the passenger side near the back of the engine (toward dash). Not sure where the leak is coming from, but it drips down and leaks from under the engine and its definitely coolant. Recently about two months ago I did a coolant flush and replaced coolant with good ole green antifreeze. Wonder if that caused this leak?? Anyway a friend told me to try stop leak before I have to rip the entire engine apart just to change a gasket. I was wonderin if there is a good coolant additive anyone knew about that may solve this issue without havin to replace the gasket. I have 147,000 miles and engine runs good. Im not a mechanic but have replaced some parts on my truck, seems this intake gasket job would be out of my reach. I probably would not be able to do it correctly, but heard it could cost up to 1000 just in labor. Any suggestions??

[danielsatur]

Try to get a coolant pressure test ASAP to pinpoint the leak, it could be simple as a rubber heater hose.

We like using Metallic block seal for some leaks, it doesn't contaminate the coolant systems like other products.

[MT-2500]

As said make sure it is intake gasket leaking and not something else.

Stop leak stuff is a band aid and can cause other problems.
Also old green is not the best choice on coolant.
Can also cause other problems.
Best to fix the problem and be done with it.

A grand is to high for labor.

Check flat rate time plus hr rate.

[danielsatur]

A good coolant pressure test, or a smoke test will pick out a bad Intake, or gasket leak.

[tblake]

3rd, find the leak. Check the heater hose going to the quick disconnect on top of the intake manifold. My truck is leaking coolant just a little bit right there. Not bad enough to worry about yet, but come summertime I will replace it along with the thermostat.

And stop leak additives are usually a good waste of your money.

[mbecke2]

OK just got back from the mechanic and boy was that the biggest waste of 32 $. They called me out to my truck and asked where it was leaking so I showed them and he put a pressure test and it was holding pressure just fine. So he continued to look at the back of the engine where I showed him to look. He used mirrors and flashlights and basically couldnt find any leak. But he could see where it had been leakin, so he said it must be the intake manifold after I told him thats what I thought it was. The coolant is leaking down the starter and dripping onto the ground, but it wouldnt leak a drop while I was there Quote was 405 to replace both intake gaskets. Is this good price??

[danielsatur]

As the coolant gets hotter, the hot water pressure will leak more.
I would replace hose ASAP, without draining all the coolant.

[Frankp87]

I replaced my intake gaskets this past summer due to the "leak" that so many have experienced. It's not a very hard task to perform if you want to save the labor charges. I bought new intake gaskets, which included new O rings for the TBI, and I also replaced the valve cover gaskets and thermostat while I had it down. All told it took roughly 4 hours and under $100 to do.

[tblake]

405 is a decent price for the labor involved. Problem is, I dont like GM gaskets, never have and never will. See this thread.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...6&postcount=10

When mine blow, I am installing fel-pro perma dry plus gaskets.

[MT-2500]

Flat rate is around 6hr. with ac.
But.

Before you think it is a good price make sure it is intake leaking.
Always test cold and warm and hot.
Also they make a coolant dye for hard to find leaks.
And when testing for leaks always make sure coolant level is up avove the leak or it will not leak.