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coolant leak

16 years ago

I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer with a coolant leak. It's steadily dripping from the bottom of my truck even with the engine off. Can anyone tell me what is leaking or how exactly I find the leak?

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Comments (5)

jemdandy
16 years ago
Look.

While you are there, also examine the bottom side of the water pump housing. It has a weep hole. wWen the pump seal leaks, the fluid escapes out the weep hole.
gary__
16 years ago
Sure, I have a Snap-on cooling system tester. Come on over and we'll find it.

Like jemdandy said, look.

Water pump, hoses and clamps, freeze plugs, radiator, thermostat housing, etc. If it drips just sitting there, you don't even need my tester. Look where it's dripping, and follow the trail up to it's point of origin. If it's dripping up front, the water pump is a good place to start as jemdandy suggested.

Good luck.
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Thanks for the replies fellas. Haven't found a leak yet. Hoses are all good, heater core is not leaking, no coolant in the oil, water pump is not weeping or leaking. The only thing I can figure is that when the engine is at operating temp the coolant expands and escapes through the reservoirs overflow. I've put a small plastic bottle on the overflow to see if thats whats occurring. My Dad had an 87 Caprice that used to do that. Once the coolant found its level it ran fine and cool and didn't lose any more coolant. He ran it that way for years. Hopefully this is the same thing. If not, I'll keep on a lookin. Bucky
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goren
16 years ago
Do they still sell that , I don't know what they call it, it is poured into the radiator, it has hidden particles in it that goes to the leak and stops it. They probably call it 'stop leak'. How about that.
Not to suggest a leak shouldn't be looked at...I too believe the water pump is the most logical place to start...but back when, radiators were always losing some coolant and the easiest way to stop it was with the ...you know!
gary__
16 years ago
It's called alumaseal and they still sell it. It works ok for very minor leaks through gaskets and seams. Doesn't have a chance of doing anything for a larger leak or one originating from the shaft or weep hole in the water pump.
earthygal52
15 years ago
I bought some stuff called "Blue Devil". It seals every kind of leak where coolent is concerned. It is kind of expensive, but it does work. Just follow the directions to the tee. Remember also, to remove the thermostat, before you use this.
I used it on my 92 Chevy Lumina which has 245,000 on it, and it worked great.

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