Sprung a coolant leak - Page 2

Silver350 · 01-26-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saabman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver350

Have you checked the waterpump? It has a weep hole to let you know it is about to fail. If you drive it and it doesn't leak when warm and then leaves a puddle overnight, it is very likely a waterpump. Otherwise, take off what you need to see around the engine, pressurize the system and have a good look. It could also be a freeze plug, very simple to fix if you can reach it.

exactly that it doesn't leak when I drive but leave a puddle overnight!

I will strip all the junk (air cleaner, water reserve etc.) around the engine and have another look...

Thanks for your message it sort of reassures me that it is not a top end repair...

Good, lets hope it's that waterpump. Afterall, 350 Chev has a reputation to uphold.

http://www.millionmilechevy.com/

If you have any trouble finding the parts let me know, since you have a Canadian Spec Van and I live there. But I'm sure ordering direct from the U.S. would be cheaper and more direct.

saabman · 01-26-2011, 03:32 PM

Thanks for your encouragements not to worrz about the parts as we have a great parts supplier in Germanz www.kts.de thez cost a bit more than in the US but that would be the shipping and customs...

Silver350 · 01-26-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saabman

cost a bit more than in the US but that would be the shipping and customs...

Stimmt, hast recht!

Get under the van and look for a hole in the waterpump casting and stick your finger in there. If you find coolant in it, there shouldn't be.

saabman · 01-27-2011, 12:24 AM

Sorry about all the "Z"s in my previous post

I got my quertz kebord in querty mode...

saabman · 01-30-2011, 03:36 PM

Investigation begun:

NOt to good the last picture of the inlet manifold...

Alternator is a real **** to get out...

**daveb** · 01-31-2011, 01:05 PM

Hope it was easier to get out than my alternator on my 6.0, which took me over 4 hours to pull and replace

It took 45min just to get the S-belt back on....not one of my favorite days. I need to get one of those socket bars to unload the idler pully!
Good luck on your repair.

saabman · 01-31-2011, 01:22 PM

Hi,
No took only 2 hours

Got it out and now my verdict is almost for sure Intake Gasket!
IT is a bit of a blow

But I have decided to go ahaed and DIY it!
Fell-Pro gaskets on the way and need to find a mate with a Tech II equivalent scanner to get the Cam retard set after the job!

Any of you L31 Chevy guys ever have this issue sorted??? Surprised if you haven't... THey say all Vortecs go through this...

Pics of little puddle below the front of the intake gasket...:

saabman · 02-12-2011, 06:11 AM

OK I have given up on this just toomuch hassle not enough time

Going to my local guys to have it fixed on 1st March...

These guys are Jeep experts but round here don't have many US vehicle specialists around...

Here are some fun vehicles they have:

Silver350 · 02-12-2011, 07:17 AM

You need to be careful going to a place like that. Your van might come out with an extra drive axle.

bettyford · 02-12-2011, 09:28 AM

Saabman,

Not to worry to much the 5,7 is notorious for leaky intake manifolds and as long as it's leaking out and not into the motor It's only a matter of changing the gasket's. I run the sales department of a Chevy store and I see it all the time on older trade ins. I have it fixed and on has never come back.
Let me know if i can Help!

Ron