Coolant Loss

L76PWRD · February 27, 2011

I have recently been getting a rougher idle and it feels like the truck is going to turn off. The check engine light is on and the truck also has an extreme coolant loss. Any ideas what is wrong with the truck?

8.1HD/ALLISON · February 27, 2011

Sounds like it could be a classic case of castec heads. Also note the search feature on this site, tons of threads on this topic.

DALE#3 · February 27, 2011

Look and listen for leaks fluid and vacuum ,have code read

knightr · February 27, 2011

Gm had problems with porous castec heads in the early 2000's.

Hadn't the problems been fixed by the GMT900 intro?

Just asking a question here, I don't know.

txab · February 27, 2011

I have recently been getting a rougher idle and it feels like the truck is going to turn off. The check engine light is on and the truck also has an extreme coolant loss. Any ideas what is wrong with the truck?

You need to check for all the obvious external leak locations first, Haven't heard about Castech problems in the 900 line. Now you can have a cracked head or bad heads gasket. You can look under your valve covers for signs of moisture or have your oil tested for coolant

Mckenzie · February 27, 2011

My truck has been leaking coolant like a sunnuva bitch to. I have a feeling it's the Water Pump. Is there anyway to rule out castech heads?

KMGZ400 · February 27, 2011

My truck has been leaking coolant like a sunnuva bitch to. I have a feeling it's the Water Pump. Is there anyway to rule out castech heads?

i though i had castech heads too when i was leaking coolant... castech head are WAY more common on the 03+ body style anyway..... it was my water pump. get a new water pump!

plus the fact that your truck has 190,000 miles on it, the castech heads would of affected you long ago

98 Z71 SLT · February 27, 2011

Better get your stock tune installed and then go use the 5yr/100k mile warranty

Mckenzie · February 28, 2011

My truck has been leaking coolant like a sunnuva bitch to. I have a feeling it's the Water Pump. Is there anyway to rule out castech heads?

i though i had castech heads too when i was leaking coolant... castech head are WAY more common on the 03+ body style anyway..... it was my water pump. get a new water pump!

plus the fact that your truck has 190,000 miles on it, the castech heads would of affected you long ago

Alright thanks bud! I hope it is something as simple the water pump

BlackZ71Silverado · February 28, 2011

Check your oil and make sure there is no coolant in it.

L76PWRD · February 28, 2011

Thanks for the replies, I will check the engine light and take it to the dealership to get it checked out. Hope they fix it with the 100,000 mile warranty.

nick3941sd · March 1, 2011

Any new news?

L76PWRD · April 26, 2011

Well I took it to the dealer and they told me its the radiator that bad, and its not covered by 100,000 mile warranty. They want to charge 840 to fix it, it seems kind of steep. How much should it be to get it fixed?

Mossyoakglock · April 26, 2011

$840 sounds a little high. RockAuto has radiators for you truck (not sure about the details) for $148 - $205. The AC Delco for mine is $266.

I wouldn't think that these radiators are too hard to replace. You could probably do it for around $300 by doing it yourself after shipping and coolant.

txab · April 26, 2011

Check with a reputable radiator shop. Most rads can easily be repaired. If you can pull it off and take it to them you'll save lots of $$$. Even if you must replace with new, do it yourself