macheff03
TYF Newbie
I’m not sure I’ll be able to tell if it’s not currently leaking. Last time he checked it he didn’t have to fill it but yes I’ll check. I’ll bring a code reader as well to see what the engine code is.
Might be buying tahoe...
- Thread starter macheff03
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I’m not sure I’ll be able to tell if it’s not currently leaking. Last time he checked it he didn’t have to fill it but yes I’ll check. I’ll bring a code reader as well to see what the engine code is.
Depending on who did the water pump replacement, they may not have bled the system fully when they refilled it and the low coolant could have been from air finally working its way out of the system. Especially if it hadn't been driven much. I am assuming the guy or the son didn't check to see what the fluid on the ground was by checking the color or smelling it. When the engine is running and hot, can you smell antifreeze? It has a distinct odor and has alerted me to more than a couple coolant system issues. My 80 year old mother had a wet spot under her car last year and when she called to tell me about it she said she stuck her finger in it and it smelled like coolant and it turned out she had a pin hole leak in a hose.
I would be curious as to how a guy has a full set of service records for his vehicle yet the SEL light has been on for 5 years. I would think a proper mechanic that would provide records would have identified the cause of the SEL.
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it's normal for the ac to drip condensation (water) from the bottom passenger side, a leaking heater core would be pretty rare
Also, a leaking heater core will often result in a film on the inside of the windshield and a smell of antifreeze inside the vehicle.
macheff03
TYF Newbie
I asked him if there is a smell of coolant inside. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it was just ac condensation from working so hard in the summer heat we get down here
I think you have some folks trying to sell a vehicle that don't know much about vehicles and in an effort do the right thing and give full disclosure, they ended up confusing the situation.
I would definitely put a code reader on the thing to see what codes are there.
Based on what you have described with the coolant being low a couple of times and then suddenly not being low, I would guess they just had some air in the system from when the water pump was replaced.
If there isn't an odor of coolant, inside or outside under the hood, when the vehicle is running and warmed up, then you probably don't have an external leak.
I would pull the oil dipstick and smell the oil to see if you get any whiff of coolant. You could even offer to pay for an oil change and take him along and see what the oil looks like when it comes out of the pan to see if there is any evidence of coolant. I offered to do that once and the guy got really weird, but he finally agreed. When the service tech drained the oil, the blackest, sludgiest crap came out which completely debunked the story the guy was giving me that he changed the oil himself regularly. Killed the sale, but was worth the $50 I paid for the oil change.
macheff03
TYF Newbie
That’s a pretty good idea, and yes I’ll pull codes for sure. Now the water pump was replaced in January of 2018, seems a little long ago for it to still have air in the system... right? It wouldn’t need replacing again already though, I wouldn’t think.
Depending on how much it was driven, it could take a while for all the air to bleed out. I would hope a water pump would last more than 1-1/2 years.
Have had it happen to me although I agree it is rare but can happen just wanted to give the OP some info so he can rule out a costly and time consuming problem
macheff03
TYF Newbie
Seems like I should still see what’s it’s all about. Engine and transmission are good and as long as it’s a easy and/or cheap repair it wouldn’t worry me much and it should be easier for me get it for the right price. I’ll probably go check it out
Agree - Good luck.
RaiderRodney
Full Access Member
Looks like you're in SC so we're in the same area (NC). Just be patient and try to find one, as suggested, well-maintained and with little to no rust. Unfortunately, most for sale around here are around 250k miles, some rust, and still around 5k 
But there are exceptions if you're patient....I looked for a few years before I found what I wanted. Good luck!
But there are exceptions if you're patient....I looked for a few years before I found what I wanted. Good luck!macheff03
TYF Newbie
Looks like you're in SC so we're in the same area (NC). Just be patient and try to find one, as suggested, well-maintained and with little to no rust. Unfortunately, most for sale around here are around 250k miles, some rust, and still around 5k
Thanks very much and yes that’s exactly right! Can’t seem to find one with less than 250k miles but thankfully I’ve found an exception so at least I’ll see what it’s about.
live2pull
Full Access Member
Some things I wish I knew to look at before I bought my 04 Denali with no known service records.
Exhaust studs constantly break, can be solved with Kral clamps. However, the permanent solution is always replacement.
Oil pan gaskets are issues, replace pickup tube oring at the same time as gasket. It seems like oil leaks are a general nuisance issue, at least with this generation.
I haven't had a problem with my trans, but the impression I get is the transmission is more like to have a catastrophic failure than the engine.
Check to see if drive cycle is ready, a decent single directional scanner will tell you. If is not, ask why was the computer reset recently. People may clear codes right away to hide the fact it is having throttle issues on drive by wire vehicles. (2003+)
Of course do your typical used car buying inspection, fluids, brakes, suspension, systems functionality, suspension noises, general drivability.
Exhaust studs constantly break, can be solved with Kral clamps. However, the permanent solution is always replacement.
Oil pan gaskets are issues, replace pickup tube oring at the same time as gasket. It seems like oil leaks are a general nuisance issue, at least with this generation.
I haven't had a problem with my trans, but the impression I get is the transmission is more like to have a catastrophic failure than the engine.
Check to see if drive cycle is ready, a decent single directional scanner will tell you. If is not, ask why was the computer reset recently. People may clear codes right away to hide the fact it is having throttle issues on drive by wire vehicles. (2003+)
Of course do your typical used car buying inspection, fluids, brakes, suspension, systems functionality, suspension noises, general drivability.
macheff03
TYF Newbie
Well a little update for those who want it
That first one I was talking about with the coolant issue sold so it’s a no on that one which is fine because I was a bit concerned about the leak but I have found another one with a new transmission and 180k on the engine so a bit higher mileage but that transmission deal has me interested
That first one I was talking about with the coolant issue sold so it’s a no on that one which is fine because I was a bit concerned about the leak but I have found another one with a new transmission and 180k on the engine so a bit higher mileage but that transmission deal has me interested
Now your inspection process starts all over again. Don't get frustrated and start skipping what you know you should check. If you get a real good feel about one and have reached your limitations on what you can check, take the rig to a trusted tech and have them lift it and check it all out and pressure test the cooling system and literally inspect as much as possible. I just went thru this and was looking for a "newer" rig but ended up keeping my 2002. Good luck.
As a former tech and service manager I know what to look for but have no lift to use. Info is very important because I always like to make an informed decision. Gut instinct is not a money saver sometimes.
As a former tech and service manager I know what to look for but have no lift to use. Info is very important because I always like to make an informed decision. Gut instinct is not a money saver sometimes.
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