Disapearing Coolant? Chevy 5.0 K1500

JonBoy

Active Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Hampstead NC
OK I am loosing about a gallon a week driving about 300 miles. Its been doing it awhile and I have no clue if its just a slow leak somewhere or if I have head gasket problems. The truck is a 98 Chevy ex cab 5 speed 4x4 with 145K miles just for some general info. At startup there is some smoke but unsure if thats just due to condensation. Once warmed up I do not notice anything and as of my last oil change the oil looked fine. I am running the green coolant in it as well came from the factory with dexcool I think its called the orange stuff. At 145K miles should I look into getting the head gasket fixed if thats the problem or just wait till i goes and get a new block? either way this is something I would not be attempting myself. Any suggestions on what to do welcomed Also if your in the Wilmington area and want to suggest a shop please do.
 
White smoke in your exhaust would be a tell-tale sign of a bad head gasket or cylinder head, but you are indicating the exhaust looks normal. Sounds like a water pump. Check the weep hole. also look for signs of collant around the freeze plugs and heater core.
 
Look behind you AC compressor where the intake and head meet. Damn near guarntee it's leaking there. look at all junctions of intake and head, front and rear.

Intake gaskets are notorious on those engines. plastic/rubber composite that breaks down with age, most leak externally, a few will leak internal and make a milkshake of the oil.

What Eric is saying of the water pump is also very possible.
 
Ditto on the intakes leaking,

You can bring it by my shop if you want next week i'll take a look at it. I'm off of Middle sound loop not far from hampstead
 
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