Random Coolant Loss, need some info asap

[992dr]

Last week my wife was driving the Tahoe and noticed the "check gauges" lite came on. To make a long story short, he temp was running higher than normal. I left work thinking it was the temp sensor, reason being. When I had my headers installed, he broke the connector and I have to check it frequently to make sure its attatched. Well, that was not the problem. I ended up looking inside the radiator. I was rather surprised to see it was very low. I added some water and it was fine. I checked it a few days later and it needed more water. I asked my wife to let me knwo if she sees any spots on the driveway. Well, tonight she saw one.
I got under the Hoe and noticed coolant dripping from the bellhousing. The same place where oil was dripping before I put some Bar oil in.
I'm almost posotive I need a rear main seal.
Why would coolant be leaking from back there? Could it be the rear main seal?

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

 

[gpracer1]

I am already shuddering....hopefully the leak is coming from on top somewhere maybe by rear of the intake manifold. If it is not and it is coming from the bell housing, then it is most likely a freeze plug at the back of the block....I hope it isnt that.

Need to get on top of the engine with a flashlight and check the back from the top first.

 

[992dr]

Yeah, I'm more than shuddering right now. More like freaking out, hah.
I just came in from looking. The problem is, its pretty dirty. Old oil and crap. I see some wet spots but, not sure if its oil or coolant.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Go to the auto parts store and get some dye to put in the oil first, then run the truck. Once that is done get back there and check to see if you can see dye anywhere. Then do the coolant the same way. That will tell you if and where you are losing either one, it may also show how bad things really are.

 

[992dr]

I'll stop at AutoZone tomorrow and do it when I get home.
How long does this take to work? Is this something that I'd need a black lite?


Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Shouldn't have to run it long at all. I would say take it for a five minute drive so you can see it good wherever it is leaking.

 

[992dr]

Ok, cool.
Thanks Chris, I appreciate the help.

Sam

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Nice to meet you Sam, let us know what you find...

 

[SunlitComet]

I'm almost posotive I need a rear main seal.
Why would coolant be leaking from back there? Could it be the rear main seal?

Thank You

HaHa! if coolant was coming out of your rear main seal I could only imagine..

 

[992dr]

"HaHa" Not to sound rude but, I cant really say thats a laughing matter.
And, thats what I'm afraid of


I wasnt able to do the dye tonight, an unfortunate insident with my daughter has put a damper on this. I am planning on dropping the trans this weekend. Ordered a freeze plug set as well as a new rear main seal.

Nice to meet you Sam, let us know what you find...

Same here man buddy, will do as soon an I getter done.

 

[arb905]

I really hate to beat a dead horse, but....have your intake gaskets been replaced? If they are the plastic ones they can create a crack that will not only leak into the intake manifold but also to the back of the motor and create a drip. Before you yank the trans to replace a freeze plug check it out. May save you a lot of trouble.

I know this because it hase happened. I had the random coolant leaks and then the check engine light for misfires and lean codes. Good luck.

 

[SunlitComet]

Don't be and do the dye before yanking every thing out. If you had coolant coming out of your rear main seal you engine would likely be seized or your block cracked already open as a result for which no oil seal will fix.

 

[992dr]

arb,
I know all about the intake gaskets, it was replaced in 07. My other problem is the rear main seal, it has been leaking for some time. I cant relying on Bar Oil for ever, hah.

sun,
Sorry for jumpin on yah man. I'm just aggrivated. I will use the dye tomorrow after work. I need to clean off the motor some to be able to see better.

Random questions.
1.) I notice some kind of cap on the bottom of the bell housing. Can I pop this off to get a look inside?

2.) What are other common areas that leak oil near or around the rear main seal?


Thanks guys, please excuse my tone. I dont mean to take my frustration on anyone here.

 

[SunlitComet]

1. A cap or more like a cover shield on the bottom?
2. Oil cooler adapter if installed to the left of engine. The oil pan but the oil pan gasket is multi-ribbed front and back for the engines oil holding pleasure not to mention pan rails that are used.

 

[992dr]

Hmm, its on the drivers side of the bell housing, its round and has three notches in the bell housing and three tabs that are bent inside of the nothes. Looks like thin material, like a stamped peice of sheet metal.

The oil cooler adapter, when you say left side. Do you mean the drivers side?
I'm going to go to a local DIY car wash tomorrow and washer down so I can get a better look at everything. This time I'm bringin the ramps, hah.

Thanks man, I appreciate it.


Oh, I forgot to mention. The coolant is down again. I did not add any. It seems when I add water, it leaks. After I cleaner up I'll add some water with the dye. Hopefully I'll get a better idea of whats going on.

 

[SunlitComet]

sounds like an inspection cover to me to access flexplate and converter bolts. pop it. Oil cooler is on drivers side.

have you check your cooling system
reservoir housing or hose for cracks or leaks?

You should also have the oil pressure sensor fitting in the back to to the left I think to look at as well.

 

[clean454]

if ur going to use dye get 2 diff colors one for the oil one for the coolant...

 

[992dr]

Thanks for the helps guys, I really appreciate it.

Well, I finally was able to get under the Hoe and get a good look and idea of whats going on. sunlit, you're right, it is an inspection plate. Popped it off and got a decent look inside. Saw nothing, it was very clean with little to no oil or water residue inside.
What I did notice is the water/coolant is coming from the front of the motor/waterpump area. AND the oil that I saw that was noticeably wet, WAS around the oil pan and the oil cooler adapter plate.
This is very relieving. Not a bad job at all, I'll have it done in no time on Saturday.

Thanks again evveryone.

 

[clean454]

the adapter plate looks easier then it is!!! LOL
it kicked my ass one time but now i got it down!!

 

[992dr]

Any advise you can pass on for the removal of it? Tip or tricks?
Thanks