Freeze plug location on back of block?

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:56 pm

Gang I have a small problem -

Tuesday morning I drove to work, and noticed steam coming from under the cowl/hood when I parked. Hadn't noticed the temp gauge rising, so I popped the hood and quickly diagnosed what I thought was a pinhole leak in my upper rad-hose. I had to be in meetings in 5 mins so I dropped the hood and figured I'd deal with it after work.

I limped the truck a mile away after work to a buddy's house and got the upper hose off using nothing more than a $5 cheap-o multitool, and a pair of channel-locks. Went to parts place and bought a new hose and antifreeze. Replaced and cranked it up to let the thermostat open and circ the coolant around, and that's when I notice coolant pouring out of the bottom of the truck - namely it looks like it's dripping down over the trans bellhousing from somewhere on the back of the motor.

I can't see any signs of a leak from the topside of the engine bay, but when I get under the truck and shine a light up I can see dampness coming from above the trans on the driver's side of the block.

Anyone have a good idea of what sort of issue I've got? Only 2 things I can come up with is a freeze plug or a blown head gasket?

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:02 pm

Intake manifold gasket, heater core fittings/hoses.

Steve

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:06 pm

Yeah - my dad just suggested Intake Man gasket - the Heatercore hoses run down the pass side of the motor and plug into the front - I can easily see them and rule them out.

Luckily -(I guess) - I go in for Knee surgery Friday morning, and won't need the truck for at least 4-5 days. I'll take it to my mechanic and tell him not to rush it through.

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:47 pm

Good call Steve -

Mechanic says it's the intake manifold gasket.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:59 pm

adrenalnjunky wrote:Good call Steve -

Mechanic says it's the intake manifold gasket.

I've heard it's a common problem on the 4.3, and I remember having one replaced under warranty on the CC around 40k miles.

Steve

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 9:11 pm

Yeah - something about it being a plastic gasket instead of the old style fiber/asbestos gaskets. Mechanic classified this one as technology making a less dependable product.