2000 Chevy Suburban Coolant leak on front side of motor

Tiny
89SIGO
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
For the past few months, I have smelt a coolant leak on my suburban. No puddles anywhere though. The low coolant sensor seems to be quite sensitive, so when the overflow tank gets a bit low, the low coolant light comes on and I add a pint or so of collant. While completing an oil change yesterday (no water in the coolant.), I noticed a few orgae droplets on the underside and then pulled off the front plastic mud shield (6 bolts) that keeps rocks etc away for the belts. From there I would see dark streaks on the engine blcok coming down from teh water pump area.

I am wondering if I need a new water pump + gaskets. Or maybe just new gaskets.
Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 10:14 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Have a pressure test done, this will reveal the weak part(s). You can rent one at autozone, and get the fee back when the tester is returned.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
89SIGO
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
OK, good idea on the pressure tester. Should I test when cold, hot, or both?

I would expect a pressure drop, knowing I have a leak.

Should I expect to see coolant seeping out? Bubbling out?
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Test cold! No burns that way! It will probably stream out under pressure!
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
89SIGO
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
OK, got the tester. For my suburban, where do I attach the pressure tester to?
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Look on the radiator for a radiator cap, if it has one remove it and twist the tester on, then twist the lock on the tester so the tabs line up, then pump it it the rating on the radiator cap, probably 16 psi.
If no cap on radiaitor, look on the plastic tank(recovery bottle), remove the cap, and it may require an adapter for GM to attach the tester.
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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 AT 10:20 AM

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