98 GMC Sierra - Engine Burning Coolant

[dw98gmc]

I own a 1998 K1500 Sierra with a 350 Vortec that has been burning coolant through the engine (Lots of white smoke through the left and right exhausts).

I have read all the threads I could find on here - lots of good info btw
When I finished removing the upper and lower intake manifolds I found a lot of coolant underneath the lower intake manifold in the pushrod galley.

I know that the manifold gasket, or cracked head could be the source of the problem, but was very surprised to find so much coolant in the galley area.

Before I go ahead and pull the heads, I thought I'd ask here and see if anybody has had something similar. Could I have a cracked manifold? The manifold gasket is in excellent shape, and doesn't appear to be letting coolant into the galley.

I can pull the heads and get them tested, but I thought I'd check the wisdom of you all on here before I do that.

Thanks for your help on this one