Hey all,

Well, after almost 2 years to the day that I last had the mysterious coolant leak problem, it seems to have returned. Last time this happened both the upper and lower intake manifolds were replaced along with the gaskets. I also switched to a 180 degree stat. But it seems that its losing coolant yet again.

I wanted to know if anyone else had heard of a repeat failure that fast, (replaced at 69k, car now has 95k) Also, where else could it possibly lose coolant ( checked lines, hoses, water pump - all are ok). I really am not sure if putting serious money into this car is worth it as I have been planning on replacing it soon anyway, although I would like to keep it as an extra car.

Thanks

You've checked everywhere and you can't find it in any other fluids?

That'* good. How much have you lost? Is it possible that it is your radiator. They tend to seep when they crack and start to loose, but you'll never see it on the ground. Check both endcaps..front and back.

The level drops an inch or so in the recovery bottle every 5 or 6 days. But, the oil looks ok and its not blowing white smoke out the exhaust like it did last time. Gonna go check the radiator.

I recommend draining the oil and examining it for coolant in the oil. The coolant is going somewhere. If you can't find it anywhere externally, then the only other place it could go is in the oil (or disipate in the combustion process).

As for longevity.... I replaced my upper and lower gaskets at 77K last summer. At 96K (this past winter), I noticed the upper developed an external leak because the gasket didn't seat up. I'm now at 116K and it'* still oozing out. It hasn't been bad enough yet rip the old upper off, but I will do it this fall. When I do it, I'll go after the lower gaskets again, too.

Gotta love GM'* wonderful design.

The beauty of the radiators is depending on the year like my 95, it was easy to see the front of the driver side endcap had cracked and started to leak. Meanwhile on my 97 the airbox and airbox sheild is in the way and you'd never be able to see it unless you went after it directly.