since doing a coolant flush, i've noticed a coolant leak. it ends up dripping off the crankcase in steady drops. it leaks about 1/4 of the reservoir and then stops. i top it off and it doesnt leak any more until i drive it again. ive recently replaced the waterpump. could this be the headgaskets? if so, would a liquid headgasket sealer be worth a try? if so, is the expensive stuff like blue devil worth it or just go with the cheaper bars leak?

thanks,
kellen

 

Go have the coolant system pressurized and you'll know for sure.

 

If it is your head gaskets then none of those miracle cures will work for that long. You need to get them fixed the old fashion way. Don't assume it is the head gaskets though put some dye in your coolant and see exactly where it is coming from.

 

what will the location of the leak tell me? im pretty sure that no hoses are leaking as all the connections and hoses are dry. it doesnt drip from underneath the radiator either. since its dripping off the crankcase that means its coming from the engine somewhere, right? how will the dye help me narrow it down further than that?

 

mike- what will that process cost to have done? are there any other DIY diagnostics i can do myself before that?

 

you need to figure out what is leaking it could be many different gaskets that tend to fail on our trucks. you can buy the coolant dye, glasses and a uv light and do it yourself, just clean everything wipe it all down and then put the dye in and start it up.

 

Dripping "from the engine somewhere" does no one any good. If you go to a mechanic and say I have a head gasket leak they will smile at you and say, "you sure do that will be $2,000 please".

You need to find exactly what gasket is failing, it could be the difference between a $25 repair and a $2000 repair.

 

ok i will try this dye thing and get back to you guys

 

Take the time to look under the engine. Is the leak on the right side/left side/front?????


Rey
2001LE
70,000 mi. Head gaskets, magnacore wires, front cover seal, 60K service.
In the future: u-joints.

 

Napa should have it for $4 or something. Make sure it is for antifreeze and not for refrigerant. The dye is so bright you do not even need a UV light so don't bother buying one.