Coolant Level Drops

OLDWEEVIL

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
22,800 MILES

My engine coolant level continually drops (the Add Coolant light comes on every 2-3 days), and my engine oil level has risen.

I changed the oil, but rather than any sort of foam or milky look to the oil it was actually slightly thicker than normal (and it was not more than 500 miles overdue for the change).

The engine has not been overheating, nor have I developed a miss in the engine. The oil pressure has been steady.

I'm really at a loss for what's going on - I'm not sure whether it's a blown head gasket, cracked head, or cracked block - hoping it might be something simpler or easier.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi:
Have you checked everywhere for a leak? Also, has the oil level raised since the oil change? Is there any oil in the coolant? If you lay cardboard under the truck at night, are there any indications that there is a leak?

If none of the above things indicate a problem, you need to check the engine compression to see if there is a cylender or two lower than the others.

Here is a 'How To' for checking compression. If you done't have the gauge, you may be able to rent one at a parts store or you can purchase one at the 'Test Equipment Store' site on this page.

Let me know what you find.

Joe