Well I finally found my coolant leak. I put some dye in it and it took a few days to become obvious. It appears to be leaking underneath the #1 cylinder exhaust port and running down the motor mount as well as getting blown around onto the power steering and A/C hoses. I have attached a crappy picture for reference. The truck is running well with the exception of having to top off the coolant reservoir once a week or so.

I would like to just keep an eye on this and drive it for a while. I will eventually do the head gasket job but the timing is really bad for me to do that right now. Am I crazy for putting it off? Do I risk any additional damage other than the possibility of major coolant loss and overheating?

 

Well, the overheating could mean a new engine. It doesn't take much to drop a liner, and then you are done. Aluminum block with pressed steel liners - doesn't take much.

Double check your throttle body heater and make sure it isn't leaking there and just dripping down. I would fix the gaskets as soon as possible. We are coming into winter, so it will be easier on it, but it only takes one time to kill the engine. Have you thought about doing it yourself? You should be looking at $1500 to have it done, if not.

 

I'll do it myself. I just don't have the time to get to it right now. It's not the throttle body heater. I eliminated that a long time ago.

 

well, I hate to say ok and it fail, but I have had a small drip from that area for about a year now. Doesn't get worse, but yours could, and fast! I would say keep a close eye on it and see if you can make it. Just remember it is getting colder fast, and unless you have a heated garage, it will just make it that more difficult.... Good Luck