2003 z71 Chevy silverado

[ajohnson1995]

I just recently bought a used 2003 z71 Chevy silverado half ton pickup, 150k miles. It's been running fine, however sometimes (does not happen every time I drive) I can smell a strong antifreeze smell. When I pulled over to investigate the smell was very strong from the front passenger wheel well, and the wheel well was generating a lot of heat. The truck always stays at a normal temp and never shows signs of overheating. I replaced brakes/rotors, and serpentine belt a week ago and mid last week one day started to smell antifreeze again and what sounded like my belt squeaking. That brought me to think it's some sort of leak.. i don't know enough about vehicles to be able to determine what could be wrong so thought I'd make a post about it. Don't think it's the heater core as this only happens on occasions and I don't run the ac/heater at all.. thinkin maybe the water pump needs replaced? Water pump gasket shot? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[txab]

Check hose connections and especially check the water pump and the water pump gaskets, a common leak point

[brannnor]

Check hose connections and especially check the water pump and the water pump gaskets, a common leak point

 

 

I had tis problem on my 2003 Avalanche. I couldn't find the leak but I have a good shop that found my leak it was the quick connector on the hoses going to the heater core at the firewall the shop replace them and my smell went away also check your radiator cap too I replaced it Norm

[Doug_Scott]

If you are smelling coolant, then there must be spot in the system that leaking the actual coolant, or the reservoir cap is loose or missing.

 

Common spot on most vehicles is the vent hole on the bottom side of the water pump shaft housing. You can see it on most vehicles by getting underneath the front of the engine, and looking up at the water pump. Pay careful attention to the hole in the housing, at the rear side of the pulley. Water pump shaft seal will not leak all the time, it generally requires a specific pressure in the system before "weeping". During the normal operation of the engine, that leak will occur twice per heat cycle of engine. In other words, it will leak a bit as it warms up, and then again as cooling down. Water pump is not serviceable, but can be replaced.

 

Coolant will go through heater core pretty much at all times. The heater box has blend doors that will alter how much heat gets into the cabin.