Coolant leak, dripping from passenger side rocker panel?

[weider1717]

Having trouble seeing where my coolant leak is checked all hoses, what I could of freeze plugs back of intake, radiator etc best I could and nothing but it's dripping from my passenger side rocker panel and the passenger side gas tank shield has coolant splatter on it on the outside...

back of the oil pain is a little wet looking also..any ideas?

[Eyegore]

Possible leak in the heater core, passenger side. Is the floor board wet on the passenger side?

[weider1717]

DING DING DING you nailed it.

carpet isn't really wet but slightly pulled it back at the top and at the edge I can see coolant so it's the heater core...is it easy to replace in these trucks? cars I've had in the past were PITA to change! usually everything on these trucks are easy hopefully this will be too as far as changing a heater core anyway.

[Corts60]

It is not the easiest job in the world, and might require two people when reassembling, but it could be accomplished within about 2 hours with few cuss words expended.

[hopelessredneck]

iv done a couple and the hardest is the bolts below the fan closest to the fender i strongly suggest drop the pass iiner fender and the hole thing should go just fine

[texastruckjunky]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

iv done a couple and the hardest is the bolts below the fan closest to the fender i strongly suggest drop the pass iiner fender and the hole thing should go just fine

Thats a good idea. That bolt is a P.I.T.A.

[CJ_Chevy]

i would agree with taking out the inner fender as well, i have to put that bolt in on mine right now actually lol. i would just be careful when you drop the assembly in the cab, if you have a/c and the doors for the hvac are controlled by vacuum, there are 3 or 4 hoses attached that might get damaged. i had to replace one of mine because it was all dried out and cracking.

[Tucson38]

I replaced the core on my '85 a few months ago. I was able to reach the difficult bolt without as much trouble as I anticipated. Removed the puke tank to give me more room to maneuver and used a universal on an extension.

It took me about 6 hours to pull it, take it apart and clean everything, then reassemble and install. This was a first time attempt for me so it can be done in considerably less time with a little experience.

[irishman999]

My piece of advice to add to this is buy the most quality heater core you can find. I got a cheapie one from Vatozone or Orileys and the stupid thing exploded while I was on a 1k mile journey during a blizzard. there was literally steam blowing out of the vents, I could not see anything because the windows were fogged up. I sat on the side of the highway for a while letting it cool down and eventually burned my hands with scalding hot coolant. Dont go cheap on this part.

[85/Silverado]

Originally Posted by Tucson38

I replaced the core on my '85 a few months ago. I was able to reach the difficult bolt without as much trouble as I anticipated. Removed the puke tank to give me more room to maneuver and used a universal on an extension.

It took me about 6 hours to pull it, take it apart and clean everything, then reassemble and install. This was a first time attempt for me so it can be done in considerably less time with a little experience.

I have a 85 to What is the Puke Tank? I have to change mine to and since I'm doing the radiator to I thought I'd make a weekend out of it lol
Do I have to pull the whole dash out? I saw a Video on Utube but it wasn't the same year.

[weider1717]

thanks for the info guys think I may have my original one recored.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

I have a 85 to What is the Puke Tank? same year.

The coolant surge tank, or overflow tank.

Looks sorta like the windshield washer solvent bottle, only it's got green fluid in it instead of blue.

[Tucson38]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

I have a 85 to What is the Puke Tank? I have to change mine to and since I'm doing the radiator to I thought I'd make a weekend out of it lol
Do I have to pull the whole dash out? I saw a Video on Utube but it wasn't the same year.

No, you don't have to pull the dash apart but first step is to remove all the black plastic ductwork from the heater core housing. You'd probably have better access if you pulled the seat out but might not be worth the trouble. It's really not too technical, just some grunt work. Probably a $400 job if you farm it out so you just save about $350 doing it yourself. Keep us posted.

[cableguy0]

Instead of pulling the inner fender just drill a 1 inch hole to get access to the bolt. Then you can go get a body plug and plug the hole. Its not a bad job. Just the one bolt thats a PITA.