Hi
Having some trouble out of my truck. It is a 4.3L with air conditioning. It was originally a company truck and is base model. The air don't work, but that is another project for summer...

It is losing coolant. The oil cap has the white gunk on it you find when water gets in the oil. There is no water in oil however, so I don't think it is the headgasket. Sometimes, it it sets for a couple days, it is slightly hard to start. I am afraid it is a cracked head...

It has been doing this for a while, but I haven't had the money or the time to check it out. I thought I would ask the guys with the know-how... I am so grateful to how found this site... Thank you all!! Have a great gm-powered day!!!

Well as i understand intake gaskets are also a problem in 4.3s the one ive owned didnt have an issue but ive had quite a few in my shop for intake gaskets.How many miles are one the truck

Hi, thanks for repling! It has about 190,000... I just can't figure out why it is not showing up in the oil....

I have done two 4.3L intake manifold gaskets in the past few years. Super common. If you haven't replaced it- it is likely due. Two more common things for coolant loss on the 4,3L is the water pump and occasional hairline crack in the upper plastic portion of the radiator.

Rockauto sells the FelPro manifold gasket kit. It is a outstanding product. below is a link to a guy who took pictures replacing his 4.3L LIM gasket (he also did the upper). I do not replace the upper when I did the lower.

http://www.handymanlyness.com/archiv..._99_Jimmy.html

There is even a better write-up on doing it, I can't find it at the moment, but when I find it I will post the link.

That is a cool and informative link!! You guys are awesome!!!! It is so nice to have someone who knows this stuff! I have added the link to favs on my computer since I probably won't start this for a little while.... Gotta save up for the fun... I like to replace all the gaskets when I start, I'd rather not have to repeat it for a while... I'd rather set in the seat than on the front fender...

This is an awesome site with great people!!!! Thanks guys!! Have a great GM day!!!

When a intake gasket leaks it tends to be more of a slow seap. A few drops at a time that is then boiled off when the engine is running. That'* why your finding teh foam on the oil cap, but not in the oil.

Thanks for your help... Have a great GM weekend!

You could try to pressure test the system. If the pressure bleeds off, you know you have a leak.

I want to thank everyone who offered advise! You guys don't know how much it has helped me... It is nice to know that if I need help I can get it... You don't have to be there to be a lot of help and support!!
It was the intake manifold gasket!! Went ahead and replaced all the gaskets as I put it back... It was dirty!! Now it is nice and clean & I am learning!
Bad news on the other hand... Got fired and now looking for a job... Wish me luck!