McLaggin411
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Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L 4x4
Check engine light came on and decided to first give it a check to see if anything obvious stood out. There was some white foam on the oil cap, but it did that last year when the weather turned suddenly warm, and I drive a short distance every day.
Unfortunately everything seems to point to the head gasket, but it does not seem to add up.
1.) Oil looks fine (although a bit of sludge seemed apparent)
2.) No white smoke, or coolant smell in exhaust.
3.) No noticeable loss of HP
4.) Coolant runs low, but never runs out. No matter what, a short time after I add some in, it goes to a point below the indicated line and then just stays there. Never runs dry, engine never runs hot.
5.) There was some white foam on the oil cap.
6.) No water/coolant drops on the dipstick.
7.) For the first time ever, it looked like the coolant may be dirty. Maybe its because I was looking for it, but should the coolant look as clear as when it was added?
Sounds like the HG right? What I want to know is if this is an issue that can slowly grow progressively worse over time until it causes a check engine light? I figured that once its blown...its blown, and the issues would appear and grow worse quickly.
I have twice taken this truck into the shop over the past 2 years because of a check engine light that stayed on, and spent more then was necessary to be told I need a new gas cap. Is my truck crying wolf again...or is it for real this time.
If it is the HG, does the price vary, or is it a pretty standard fix? Any hint as to the general cost would be great. Thanks in advance for any advice, I have already learned a lot just reading through the forums!
Check engine light came on and decided to first give it a check to see if anything obvious stood out. There was some white foam on the oil cap, but it did that last year when the weather turned suddenly warm, and I drive a short distance every day.
Unfortunately everything seems to point to the head gasket, but it does not seem to add up.
1.) Oil looks fine (although a bit of sludge seemed apparent)
2.) No white smoke, or coolant smell in exhaust.
3.) No noticeable loss of HP
4.) Coolant runs low, but never runs out. No matter what, a short time after I add some in, it goes to a point below the indicated line and then just stays there. Never runs dry, engine never runs hot.
5.) There was some white foam on the oil cap.
6.) No water/coolant drops on the dipstick.
7.) For the first time ever, it looked like the coolant may be dirty. Maybe its because I was looking for it, but should the coolant look as clear as when it was added?
Sounds like the HG right? What I want to know is if this is an issue that can slowly grow progressively worse over time until it causes a check engine light? I figured that once its blown...its blown, and the issues would appear and grow worse quickly.
I have twice taken this truck into the shop over the past 2 years because of a check engine light that stayed on, and spent more then was necessary to be told I need a new gas cap. Is my truck crying wolf again...or is it for real this time.
If it is the HG, does the price vary, or is it a pretty standard fix? Any hint as to the general cost would be great. Thanks in advance for any advice, I have already learned a lot just reading through the forums!
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