1997 Chevy Silverado Leaking Coolant at Hose Connection To

ZDIETRICH

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
58,000 MILES

I've got a build-up of orange/pink crusty residue at a hose connection to the engine (on the top part of the engine on the passenger side. The hose looks like it is about 3/4" diameter).

My coolant level is also low which tells me I have a slow leak where this hose connects to the engine.

Is this just a leak at the connection that can be fixed by replacing the hose, or is this an indicator of some problem with-in the engine?

4 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Is the connection in question help by a clamp? Often a hose can be removed and the inside surface of the hose and the outside surface of the nipple can be cleaned and then reclamped.

After that is done, we, we pressure test it and make sure it is holding pressure and check for any other leaks.

You can somewhat simulate this by bring the ngine to temperature and looking for possible leaks beyond what you know.

Refill with 50/50 dexcool. That system should have been flushed in 2003 and again in 2008.

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Monday, April 21st, 2008 AT 10:11 AM

ZDIETRICH

MEMBER
13 POSTS

I don't remeber there being a clamp on the connection. I'll have to clean the crusty stuff off and check it out tonight. If it's not a clamped connection, I'll try to upload a picture of it.

The truck is currently running the orange/pink coolant right now. If I flush the readiator with the flush kit from the local auto parts store, can I refill with the standard green coolant or do I need to stick to the orange/pink stuff?

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Monday, April 21st, 2008 AT 11:04 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Pictures are always good.

Stay with the dexcool. You don't need a flush kit per se. When I do mine, I don't use the flush acid. I drain it, fill it with water, run it to temp, and repeat this until I get just clean water. Dex-cool doesn't require a water pump lube, so either fill it back up with dex-cool 50/50 or take the cooling capacity and divide it in half and add that much straight dexcool to it.

You can use the green, but it will reduce it to a 2 year coolant.

Ideally the water should be distilled water that you are filling the system back up as the water has impurities from the tap.

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Monday, April 21st, 2008 AT 11:32 AM

SPCQUIGG

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5 POSTS

I would replace the quick connect hose adapter. Mine was leaking the other day so I went to replace it with one from the store. The cheap metal alloy connector broke off on the manifold. Antifreeze weakens the alloy and makes it brittle.
If this happens take a small rag with a fish hook stuff it in the manifold hole. Keeping the metal bits from falling into the engine. Use a chisel to lightly break the alloy from the threads. Use a tap to clean the threads. Then but a simple nipple w/ threads from any auto parts store. Cut the metal end off the heater core hose and attach w/ screw clamp. Problem solved and cheaper then buying the hoses and adapters from GM.
I hope this helps.

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Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 10:37 AM