New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69C-10SWB · 10-22-2014, 11:26 AM

I have a 01 Tahoe w/5.3 with 142,000 mi. Got it 7 months ago. Runs good, no overheating. First full-size SUV for me and love it so far.
A few months ago it started loosing coolant, no visible leaks, low in overflow tank. Recently started to have to add coolant more frequently. I drained radiator and overflow, refilled with prestone (mixes with all colors makes etc.) and distilled water. Old coolant was orange(dex-cool I guess) and not at all dirty. I added a bottle of Bars Leak radiator heavy duty stop leak. Seems to have worked, haven't had to add any coolant, still runs below 210 on temp gauge. Anyone with a similar experience? Any thoughts on Bars Leak?

Mr-Jack · 10-22-2014, 01:52 PM

I dont like the snake treatment stuff, how's your exhaust smoke look?

Jack

69C-10SWB · 10-22-2014, 03:40 PM

On cool damp mornings some steam from exhaust tip. Other than that nothing.

stepside67 · 10-24-2014, 09:42 PM

I have a 2001 Suburban with 213,000 miles with same symptoms and it turned out to be a cracked head. small hairline crack on top side of head around head bolt. This is fairly common... you can google 'Castec heads'. You will need to run a pressure test to confirm this. Other common places that leaks occur on this model include: radiator tanks, quick connect fittings to heater, water pump gasket. On mine I ended up spending the money to fix cracked head and truck is doing fine. Good luck on yours.

Keith

zeldman · 10-25-2014, 01:15 AM

Bars Leak really stops water from running through small openings. Especially the small openings like the tubes in your radiator.

Seriously, it will stop up your radiator and the radiator repair shop will laugh at you for using it.

Tropical Snowstorm · 10-25-2014, 11:20 PM

Most likely Castech head cracks. The early 5.3s were bad about that. Pull the oil cap when it's warmed up and check for condensation.

imjeff · 10-26-2014, 12:13 AM

Bar's Leaks has been around for about 65 years and is used in some cars from the factory. It's made to plug tiny holes and cracks, not coolant passages. Most of the horror stories are the typical "my buddy had a friend that" type story. I doubt manufacturers would be using it and that they would still be in business if the stories were true.

Jeff

68C15 · 11-05-2014, 07:31 AM

closely inspect the crappy excuse for gasket between water pump and block. I've got that repair down to 30 minutes now. After a bunch more miles I see the air bleed tubes leak at rear of heads. Once again, aluminum gaskets.

10-22-2014, 11:26 AM	#1
69C-10SWB Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 71	New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue I have a 01 Tahoe w/5.3 with 142,000 mi. Got it 7 months ago. Runs good, no overheating. First full-size SUV for me and love it so far. A few months ago it started loosing coolant, no visible leaks, low in overflow tank. Recently started to have to add coolant more frequently. I drained radiator and overflow, refilled with prestone (mixes with all colors makes etc.) and distilled water. Old coolant was orange(dex-cool I guess) and not at all dirty. I added a bottle of Bars Leak radiator heavy duty stop leak. Seems to have worked, haven't had to add any coolant, still runs below 210 on temp gauge. Anyone with a similar experience? Any thoughts on Bars Leak?

10-22-2014, 01:52 PM	#2
Mr-Jack Beer Drink'n Knuckle Dragger Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Eatonville, WA Posts: 493	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue I dont like the snake treatment stuff, how's your exhaust smoke look? Jack __________________ GOD BLESS MY BROTHERS & SISTERS THAT SERVE WITH US *- 67 GMC Long-Wide* *350/SM420* *My BACON Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe*

10-22-2014, 03:40 PM	#3
69C-10SWB Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 71	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue On cool damp mornings some steam from exhaust tip. Other than that nothing.

10-24-2014, 09:42 PM	#4
stepside67 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cypress,Tx Posts: 63	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue I have a 2001 Suburban with 213,000 miles with same symptoms and it turned out to be a cracked head. small hairline crack on top side of head around head bolt. This is fairly common... you can google 'Castec heads'. You will need to run a pressure test to confirm this. Other common places that leaks occur on this model include: radiator tanks, quick connect fittings to heater, water pump gasket. On mine I ended up spending the money to fix cracked head and truck is doing fine. Good luck on yours. Keith __________________ Stepside67 2016 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 2001 Suburban 2000 Sportside Reg Cab 4.8 (Stolen) 1967 SWB Stepside Project

10-25-2014, 01:15 AM	#5
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue Bars Leak really stops water from running through small openings. Especially the small openings like the tubes in your radiator. Seriously, it will stop up your radiator and the radiator repair shop will laugh at you for using it. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

10-25-2014, 11:20 PM	#6
Tropical Snowstorm Lurky lurky Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 553	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue Most likely Castech head cracks. The early 5.3s were bad about that. Pull the oil cap when it's warmed up and check for condensation. __________________ Current slooooow build 1972 Cheyenne Super 1972 C10, sold thread 1970 Camaro RS Family Heirloom

10-26-2014, 12:13 AM	#7
imjeff Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 890	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue Bar's Leaks has been around for about 65 years and is used in some cars from the factory. It's made to plug tiny holes and cracks, not coolant passages. Most of the horror stories are the typical "my buddy had a friend that" type story. I doubt manufacturers would be using it and that they would still be in business if the stories were true. Jeff __________________ I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe

11-05-2014, 07:31 AM	#8
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: New to me 01 Tahoe coolant issue closely inspect the crappy excuse for gasket between water pump and block. I've got that repair down to 30 minutes now. After a bunch more miles I see the air bleed tubes leak at rear of heads. Once again, aluminum gaskets. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card



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