Coolant leak

[jigsaw]

Hello all,
I have a 2000 sierra with a 5.3 and I have had a pretty steady coolant leak for the last 2 years or so and I am finally getting to the point where it is starting to annoy me. The leak is stealthy because I have never been able to find its origin. There is no puddle or stains so I am trying another tack to see if I can plug it. I was in Auto zone the other day and saw several different leak sealers for my type of situation but am completely in the dark as to which one is the best to use. I don't have the money to have a mechanic rip it apart and find the problem so I am curious if these types of products are a good idea and if they are then which ones are good enough to use?

 

[2013Denial]

It would cost about the same to buy a pressure pump to fit on your radiator and do a pressure test to find the leak. leak sealers don't just plug leaks they plug small openings in the head and block that then cause hot spots in the motor and premature failure. They can also plug cooing veins in your radiator reducing it cooling ability.

Keep in mind that the leak could be in the head gasket and would not always show up with a pressure test. It could be leaking into one of the cylinders and then is turned to steam and blown out the tailpipe.

 

[tonyflash]

Here are the sections of the cooling system that you have to inspect for coolant leaks:

-core plugs located at the side of cylinder block
-radiator hose
-thermostat housing
-water-pump bearings
-pump gasket
-radiator seams
-catch tank

 

[98trck]

intake manifold gasket look for a puddle of water on the intake between the runners , once the engine is hot it won't form a puddle ,I saw mine the first time just after starting the engine