Wierd Coolant Loss Problem in 02 Avalanche

Devlin · April 9, 2006

Hi there:

I am new to the site here I have been having a problem with my 2002 Chev Avalanche 5.3litre V8 Z71 package. The truck loses coolant slowly with the Low Coolant light coming on every couple of months. I have done the following to try and figure it out:

Friend of mine owns a rad shop in town so they have been a big help.

Things we have tried

- Pressure test with visual inspection in the usual places - nothing found

- Combustion test too see if it's going out the tailpipe - nothing found

- Pressure test with dye in it - nothing found

- Checked for faulty Low Coolant sensor - checks out fine

I have a fairly long thread over here http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcn...5475.0/all.html about this issue as well, I found this forum and thought I would try here too see if anybody had experienced this with a 5.3litre Chev (Avalanche or other).

One of the members over at the other forum mentioned something about the Avalanche having a "dry intake manifold" meaning that coolant does not circulate around or even near it. I had never heard of this, can anyone here confirm this?

As well I am wondering if I am affected by this (GM's with Intake manifold gasket problems - specifically the plastic gaskets they used between 1995 - 2003) my truck is an 02.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...?hub=TopStories

My next stop is the dealership to let them have a go at it, but I want to go in there informed. Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks

ken1mod · April 9, 2006

I hope you find the problem and can fix it right. If you can't and want to stop the leak safely, consider a GM product that has been used for about 20 years. It was installed at the factory for many years in Cadillac aluminum engines.

It is sold my most gm dealers and is called Seal Tabs. I have used to product and have had excellent results. cheap too.

Ken