1997 GMC Yukon Blown Radiator

SMULLIGAN

MEMBER
1997 GMC YUKON
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Replaced water pump because leaking. 4 weeks later I notice a leak coming from around the head gasket. Over the phone the mechanic suspects Intake gasket, apparently a common GM problem. Drive it into the shop today and the radiator blows. Mechanic thinks it could be the intake still but stated if it were the head gasket it could create pressue that would crack the radiator. Help. They are asking me to sign an repair order for a new radiator, intake and diagnositcs. $1200.
Looking for a freebie this time around but not that I have found you I promise to "donate" in the future. I'm broke before Christmas.

1 Reply

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Well you will def. Need a new radiator. It sounds like a head gasket issue to me. You can perform a test for both the head gasket and the intake gasket before paying out big money.

A pressure test on the cylinders will tell if you have a bad head gasket.

If you hear a whistle sound near the intake gasket, spray WD-40 (or any type of petroleum spray) on that area and if there is a leak the engine rpms (or engine sound) should change.

I would suspect head gasket though.

Hope this helps.
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