'99 hoe questions (coolant leak, exhaust) from a new member

[99hoeta]

Hello, my name is Jay and I'm a Tahoeholic. I've got a few questions and any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. I've got a coolant leak at the right under the left front bumper (from inside the cab). I haven't been able to locate the source yet. I got it checked out and my boy at Meineke said the radiator needed to be replaced without even really checking it out. I'm worried that it might be the intake manifold. Any ideas or experience with this? The leak is pretty heavy sometimes and sometimes it's just a drip or two.

2. I know this is a VERY common question but, I'm going to get a new exhaust and would like to get a dual in/dual out. I've read a ton of posts recommending the flowmaster 40 and 50 series. But, I have also read a few which say that the flow's tend to rust out after a few years and Magnaflow's the way to go. I live in the south, will rust-out be a problem?

3. Does anyone know where to get a leather seat covers for the lower half of the seat for a '99 Z71 tahoe. I checked out a few recommended sites but they just had regular grey and tan and no two-tone. My seats have been enjoyed a little too much and I would really like to replace the leather if possible.

4. Is this forum awesome or what?! I've been addicted to reading this thing since I stumbled upon it a week ago!! It makes me feel better knowing there are people out there that are as obsessed with their trucks as much as I am.:thumbsup:

 

[iceman21]

Hey there, you need to attempt to trace the leak back to the source. Have a look at your water pump, the weap hole is visible if you stand to the right a bit of center (to the driver's side) and look in the area of the pulley. If you see any coolant coming out of there then your water pump has given up the ghost. If it is really coming out of the radiator area it might be that you have a leaking hose or as your mechanic friend suggested you need a new radiator.

2. If you are from the south you will not have to worry about rust that much unless you are in the gulf area or the costal areas.

 

[mygreen98]

if its dripping from the bumper, it pretty fair to assume leaky radiator, or radiator hose. have your system pressure tested. that should show the origin of the leak instantly.

 

[Scoobey]

Check the engine oil cap

Haven't seen it personally (thank God!) but I'm told by folks here that if there's an internal coolant leak from the intake manifold to the oilpan, which is a known weakness and an engine-killer if not addressed, then there'll be a gunky brown foam on the underside of the oil cap.

 

[General Stalin]

If your manifold was leaking, then it shouldn't leave a puddle at the very front end of your truck under the bumper. It would leave puddles right under the front of the engine (or rear, depending on where it is leaking from).

have your system pressure tested. that should show the origin of the leak instantly.

This is a great idea. If you are not getting 15 psi, then you know that your coolant system is leaking somewhere (radiator or a hose), if you are getting full pressure, then it may be something else at the front of your car, but it would be safe to check all the hoses anyway. If it is your manofold that is leaking, then there should clearly be a lot of moisture right on the front of your engine block, probably right at the seam of the intake manifold-to-block or manifold-to-cylinder head. I have heard that intake manifold gaskets are a fickle thing in the OBS Vortec engines.

 

[sandman714]

Heads leaking

I took my 2004 Tahoe to the dealer because it was making a noise that sounded like the exhaust manifold was cracked and after it warmed up the noise would stop. The deal told me that the problem was my heads where leaking not the gasket or that it was cracked but that the metal has become porous and it was sucking coolant into the cylinder he even had a name for it. He said they’ve seen this happen before but there Chevy doesn’t have tech bulletin or recall for the problem.

Has anyone heard of this problem or have and suggestions on what to do?

One person told me this may fall under an emissions problem and thus may be coved under the warranty.

Thanks,
Alan

 

[96fleetwood]

It could be the radiator or a line that is leaking. If you get the system pressure tested it will point out the source.

A intake manifold leak would collect around the gasket and burn off giving the coolant smell, but shouldn't have a leak that far forward.

 

[Ojustracing]

I took my 2004 Tahoe to the dealer because it was making a noise that sounded like the exhaust manifold was cracked and after it warmed up the noise would stop. The deal told me that the problem was my heads where leaking not the gasket or that it was cracked but that the metal has become porous and it was sucking coolant into the cylinder he even had a name for it. He said they’ve seen this happen before but there Chevy doesn’t have tech bulletin or recall for the problem. Has anyone heard of this problem or have and suggestions on what to do?

One person told me this may fall under an emissions problem and thus may be coved under the warranty.

Thanks,
Alan

Alan yes there is a TSB on this subject......
TSB # 06-06-01-019b dated June 12 07

I havent run across one in my shop, but i know there out there.