puterg33k

I have a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban leaking some sort of fluid from the left side of the engine. I think it might be antifreeze as I often smell antifreeze, then again who knows.

Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some pictures to help!


Left side of motor


Closer to the leak


Just about where I noticed it leaking, it drips down onto the back of the motor where a suspension piece is at.





Oh, one more thing. It only seems to leak (drip) when I give it gas, other than that it doesn't seem to leak while idling. Most of the time I'm in the vehicle so I don't really know how it's acting.


Thanks for your help,
-Frank

kevinkpk

Have you determined it is coolent?

SWHouston

From what shows in the second and third picture, it looks black and gooey. I'd say that was "old" oil deposits.
There's only one thing in (above) that area that would leak, and that is a Valve Cover Gasket.

Is what you're talking about that black shiney stuff ?
Antifreeze has a sweet taste, have you checked that possibility ?

Tell us more !

puterg33k

The substance that's leaking is definitely antifreeze I think it might be the head gasket, I'm going to change the oil right now to figure if water is getting into the oil. But the neighbor told me that's the where the head meets the block at cylinder #2. EEk, I can't do a head gasket change if that's indeed the problem. Forking out 2-3k for a change isn't an option either.

Who knew my Prius driving neighbor knew everything about gm 350's *shrugs*

SWHouston

Ok, so it's Antifreeze.

Gees I hate to mention this, but, there are Sealers for Coolant Systems, you might try some of that stuff before you dump a lot of bucks into it.

kevinkpk

Looks like head gasket. Pull spark plug on that side, post back what it looks like, also is it blowing any white smoke out the exhaust?

kevinkpk

You can try that. I've never thought anything in a can really worked, but give that a shot.

SWHouston

HA, I agree, it's a terrible idea, but, it may just work, and better than an unscheduled major repair.

kevinkpk

No it's not a terrible idea, give it a shot.

puterg33k

Ok, I'll try pulling out the spark plug. Only, I don't know how, I'm amusing by the videos I watched I'll need a socket and extension.

How long, what size, and is there any special trick to getting this done?|

P.S..> Haven't done the oil yet, wife has the oil pan in the car




Also, another question. Is it plausible to stick a small 'spy like camera' into the spark plug hole to try to detect what the inside of the piston housing looks like? I would imagine if there were rust in there, that might be an indicative of coolant getting inside? ***Long shot I know, but coming from someone that don't know jack***


Thanks again,
-Frank