Coolant leak

454cid · Feb 13, 2019

PlayingWithTBI said:
You'd know if the coolant was getting into the oil, it'd be milky grey.

Not always. If the engine is run enough, most fo the water will burn off, leaving only concentrated coolant in the oil. I had this happen on a work van that was run hard. The oil got sludgy and eventually started turning red from the dye in the dexcool. I'll admit, it probably doesn't happen often like that.

Why is it still pressurized after hours?

I wondered the same.

Mr Spock once said; if you eliminate all possibilities what remains, no matter how improbable, must be the solution (or something like that). What's left? You're burning antifreeze.

I think you've got the quote right.

One more possibility... could be in the transmission, assuming an auto. I'm still betting on a leak that isn't apparent. anti-freeze evaporate fast on hot cast iron.

Austin Stephens · Feb 13, 2019

System doesn’t stay pressurized, there was a leak at the bottom rad hose, fixed it but I have pressured it back up. But I’m pretty sure my problem lies with the reservoir and rad cap. Maybe even the water pump weep hole but not head gasket. All my cylinders have good compression, no coolant in oil, coolant doesn’t build pressure immediately when the engine in cranked up, exhaust doesn’t smell like coolant, no leaks around the heads.

Austin Stephens · Feb 13, 2019

Alright so the bottom of the reservoir where the hose connects that nipple was completely blocked I took the hose off and fluid was barely dripping out. I fixed it and cleaned out the tank and I’m going to see how it works now

Austin Stephens · Feb 16, 2019

Thanks for everyone for helping but the coolant reservoir being clogged fixed it. I cleaned out the tank and my engine runs perfect!

HotWheelsBurban · Sep 19, 2019

The water pump bolts on the vortec 5.0 and 5.7 need to be coated with sealant. Aviation Permatex is the best thing to use, but it's very messy and takes a couple of days to fully set. Had to do the water pump on mine (twice) and that did the trick the second time. My cousin is a retired mechanic and he suggested this. Hope it helps someone

PlayingWithTBI · Sep 20, 2019

HotWheelsBurban said:
Aviation Permatex is the best thing to use, but it's very messy and takes a couple of days to fully set

Go to Lowe's and buy a jug of Oatey PTFE Sealant, cheaper and it'll last you a lifetime!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-Great-White-Sealant/4750813

Coolant leak

454cid

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Austin Stephens

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Austin Stephens

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Austin Stephens

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HotWheelsBurban

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PlayingWithTBI

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