New to me Suburban Update

tfpary · September 26, 2001

GREAT NEWS! My new to me suburban is leaking coolant, as some of you may have read. It has 60k on it, and apparently the early vortechs had poorly installed/designed intake manifold gaskets. I was bummed when, with the help of Big Blue and others, I determined that the intake gasket was leaking. I looked at the papers that were with the truck, and it has a 30day/1000 mile warranty. Called the dealer, and they will fix it, free of charge, under the warranty! I am happy as a clam - hope they do a good job!

Thanks for all the help, let you know how it turns out.

tfpary

Shaners · September 26, 2001

That is great news Maybe you ought to show them the reciept for the new battery after the work is finished... I doubt they'd reimburse you for it because most of those warranties are for drive/powertrain, but it's worht a shot!!!

pacodiablo · September 27, 2001

the burb i drive have no leaks...just broken window (my fault), fried wiring harness on hitch (my fault), broken mirror (again my fault)

Pastmaster · September 27, 2001

Yeah I assumed it probably was. Our suburban's doing it again.

BIG BLUE · September 27, 2001

tfpary,

Glad to hear they will cover this for you. I would also insist on an oil change when they do the IM gasket fix since it's very likely that a small amount of coolant will end up in the oil pan. Even if they won't cover the cost of the oil change you would be wise to have them do it after the intake problem is fixed and pay them for it. Heck, you could even take your own oil and filter and just have them charge you for the labor.

Once the job is complete and they refill the system with "deathcool" make sure the level of coolant is at the "HOT" mark when cold. This will prevent any possible air from entering the system (believe me, if air enters the cooling system the dexcool has a bad reputation for gelling-up). I'd replace the radiator cap too if it's the original. I'm of the opinion that if you do these steps now it will prevent any further problems associated with the gasket fix in the future (when the warranty is up!)

Good Luck,

BIG BLUE

p.s. A nice friendly reminder to them to not OVER-TORQUE those bolts on the manifold will save this problem from returning.