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#1
11-06-2012, 01:32 PM
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Running coolant system stop leak with a block heater
My '99 GMC 5.3 V8 leaks coolant unless I run sealer in it. I have a freeze plug block heater I'd like to put in for those sub zero morning starts. The block heater directions say the sealent will shorten the life of the heater... which makes sense. How much time will it take off the heater? Are we talking 4 years instead of 5 years... or 3 months instead of 5 years? Any ideas?
Chris
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Cum Catapultae Proscriptae Erunt Tum Soli Proscripti Catapultas Habebunt. 
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#2
11-06-2012, 01:52 PM
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Have the leak fixed rather than useing a patch product.
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#3
11-06-2012, 02:02 PM
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Quote:
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Cum Catapultae Proscriptae Erunt Tum Soli Proscripti Catapultas Habebunt.
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#4
11-06-2012, 02:13 PM
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Sounds like intake. They are plastic and tend to leak into the cylinders.
I don't like stopleak. It collects in the bottom of the water jackets reducing flow around the cylinders and plugs the heater core.
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Why is he not suspended? Last edited by sleepy; 11-06-2012 at 02:22 PM. |
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#5
11-06-2012, 08:52 PM
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Leaking intake is a fairly common problem, just get it fixed. I still wouldn't have a stinking FORD...
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1977 Black Trans Am 180 HP Auto, essentially base model T/A. I'm the original owner, purchased May 7, 1977. Shut it off Shut it off Buddy, I just shut your Prius down... 
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#6
11-06-2012, 08:55 PM
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Would fixing a leaky intake a matter of new gaskets, or does it mean getting a new intake manifold?
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Cum Catapultae Proscriptae Erunt Tum Soli Proscripti Catapultas Habebunt.
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#7
11-06-2012, 09:02 PM
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Most likely new gaskets.
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Why is he not suspended? |
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#8
11-07-2012, 10:16 AM
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Day to Day
Chris,
Your truck is gonna be 14 years old soon ....  If you need block sealant to keep it running, keep using it. I would not mess with freeze plugs unless they are leaking or look like they are ready to corrode away .... If you start every day from home or somewhere with a 120 VAC power source, you might try an alternative heating source for your engine to help with cold starts like an electric blanket ..... Jim 
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#9
11-07-2012, 01:02 PM
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Quote:
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Cum Catapultae Proscriptae Erunt Tum Soli Proscripti Catapultas Habebunt.
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#10
11-07-2012, 01:30 PM
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Remote start and let it warm up. Or get the type of heater that splices into the lower radiator hose (if they still make them)
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#11
11-07-2012, 02:47 PM
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Get an inline heater for the hose going to the heater from the water pump. it will pump warm coolant thru the system better than one for the lower radiator hose.
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 Gary Get in, ShuT Up, Hang On! Member of the Baltimore Built Brotherhood MY GTO built 4th Week of March 1966 "Crusin' Is Not A Crime" Keep yer stick on the ice. |
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#12
11-08-2012, 08:29 PM
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Quote:
Ask for the manager, if needed. If you hit a deadend, call around. I like the lower hose heaters. Sold a few, in my parts store days, even in Oklahoma...LOL If you use a lower hose heater, you will need to find a section of hose that's straight for about 4-6 inches to mount the heater. I advise to buy a new lower hose when doing this, just cheap insurance...
__________________
1977 Black Trans Am 180 HP Auto, essentially base model T/A. I'm the original owner, purchased May 7, 1977. Shut it off Shut it off Buddy, I just shut your Prius down...
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#13
02-28-2013, 02:15 PM
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Well, I finally got to working my water leak/block heater. The 5.3 in my truck has a dry intake manifold & a windage tray... kinda like a Pontiac. It seems to have been the water pump leaking. It finally got bad enough that I could see coolant coming out of it. I got a NEW WP, and replaced all 7! coolant hoses on the thing... 7 pressurized hoses!
I put a block drain heater in it. Nobody sells an inline-hose heater for it. Seems the vehicle has to be running in order for the coolant to circulate. So far so good. No leaks detected, and no stop-leak in it. Had to replace the PS pump and the steering box, too. Bring on the next 221,000 miles! Chris
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Cum Catapultae Proscriptae Erunt Tum Soli Proscripti Catapultas Habebunt.
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