LLY: low coolant

[PhilsLB7]

When a headgasket is leaking combustion gasses are forced into the cooling system and hydrocrabons (combustion gasses) disolve within the coolant. Most reputable shops have a chemical test they can do to find the amount of hydrocarbons disolve in the coolant.

Oh, now I feel dumb! :rofl: Thank you!

 

[WolfLMM]

Does the truck loose cabin heat...as in it comes and goes somewhat related to the temp gauge? This is sounding more and more like a dislodged head gasket. The cooling system shouldn't hold more than about 15-16 LBS. Take the truck to a reputable shop and ask them to do a test for disolved hydrocarbons in the coolant, the results should tell you if the headgaskets are bad or not.

If it was the head gasket I would think the cooling system would not hold pressure for hours after engine shut off?

 

[Mike_S]

If it was the head gasket I would think the cooling system would not hold pressure for hours after engine shut off?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no...Mine did, at first. does the truck produce copious amounts of "steam" at first startup in the morning? Does the exhaust smell somewhat "sweet"? Only way to tell for sure without dissasembling the engine is to have the coolant tested for hydrocarbons. Most shops can do this, I think even Autozone has a kit to do it. Cheap and easy to rule out a large expense. But from what you are describing, my bet is on headgaskets.

 

[WolfLMM]

Check again after driving, coolant is now over filled (I didnt overfill it) puking everytime we use it. Funny thing is I found out the water pump is leaking too.... but it is looking more and more like head gaskets

 

[z79outlaw]

Is the engine under warranty yet?

 

[WolfLMM]

2000 miles out of warranty. Dealer has done all service work, so I am going to try and pin it on their chest. Truck was low on coolant when I bought it and the dealer had just changed the oil.

 

[Mike_S]

Check again after driving, coolant is now over filled (I didnt overfill it) puking everytime we use it. Funny thing is I found out the water pump is leaking too.... but it is looking more and more like head gaskets

The part in red, comes out because of the cooling system carying so much pressure. It takes out the seals in the pump. Sadly those baby's aint cheap either.

 

[WolfLMM]

Mike, I came to that conclusion, after thinking about it more the other day. You were right all along, too bad I had to toast a WP to make sure. Hopefully GM will at least cover some of the bill.

I need to relieve the pressure in the system, before something else blowss apart. I still need to take it to the dealer.