Antifreeze Leaking

[wrecker03]

Been gone a while, I had a 2005 HD Sierra I sold a couple of years ago. I just picked up a 97 Tahoe so I'm back. I have an antifreeze leak that I can't find. I thought it was the radiator so I changed it and the leak showed up again. It's coming from the driver side by the radiator, at least that is where the antifreeze is dropping from. I can't see where exactly it's coming from the only other thing I can think of is the water pump.......any other ideas?

[gmtech4]

my idea is to stop guessing and get a tech to look at it ,i can't believe you thru a rad in it and it bit you in the butt ,i hope you are not married ,lmao

[wrecker03]

Sorry to disappoint, but the "rad" was leaking from the drain which I knew going in. Sorry I didn't add that point in. Not quite stupid enough to just start throwing time, money, and parts at something because I am married with a family, so I don't have time and money to waste. I have no problem taking it to a local shop because I know my limitations, but if it's something I can do myself then why not save a few bucks. I thought by coming on here and asking for some advise it might be more beneficial and help me save some money, didn't think I would just end up with sarcasm. Thought that's what these forums were for.

[gmtech4]

i just read it all the time,people throw parts at their veh ,it doesn't work,then come here,water pumps are easy ,get a pressure tester and get a good light ,look for staining to ,water pump weap holes etc,

 

possible intake also

 

 

good luck

[rodram]

...yes, as mentioned above... I would get the coolant pump checked for leaks... and then the intake manifold gasket ...

 

... the intake manifold gaskets on these 96-99 5.7L Vortecs do not last forever ... if you end up getting it replaced then use the newest FELPRO gasket kit... not the GM gaskets

[Squirrely]

If the water pump is toast, it will be leaking out the check hole in the back. Odds are that there will be a cooked line of antifreeze down the lower pump hose if this is the case. Take a look under the rig when the engine is cold and look for the snail trail as I call it.

 

A couple other things from my exp in chasing coolant leaks for the last 2 years on my damn rig.

 

The radiator drain plug may be leaking. I gooped RTV to fix this on a new unit.

Cracked radiator caused pooling on the fins around the edges.

If you have a universal block heater, they go bad after a few years.

 

I would take a look at night when the thing is nice and cold. This is how I found all my leaks.