ted_pulliam

My truck had an empty coolant resorvoir when I went to pick it up last December. I refilled it and have driven it now for about 6,000 miles since then. I've been adding small amounts of coolant to the resorvoir every so often. It has been a good truck so far.

Lately, the engine seems to be leaking coolant at an increased rate. After an average drive to and from work, over about 3 days, I am seeing that I keep having to add maybe 1/2 cup of coolant to the resorvoir to bring it up to the "fill" line. I also see coolant on the front right of the engine block (passenger side) beside of and around the water pump and thermostat. There are also what I believe to be coolant marks trailing from the corner of the cylinder head/engine block junction also on the passenger front side. I have replaced my thermostat recently. I have not replaced the water pump. I could still try that but the coolant marks at the head/block would seem to indicate that the water pump is not at fault.

With all the parts still on the engine it is difficult for me to exactly pinpoint the coolant leak source, but I have a strong hunch it is at the front right (passenger side) head-to-block connection, which probably means a leaky head gasket. I think the leak is still very small, as there is no noticable loss of power or coolant being mixed with the oil that I can tell.

My question is, would attempting to remove the valve cover and just retorquing the head buy me some time? I could easily replace the head gasket myself if I had the lifting equipment for the dern thing, but this is not the case. I will need it done by a shop if and when I am forced to do so. This means $$$. I would say based on past experience that if I find any loose head studs that even need retorquing that would be bad since it might mean that they are stretched to begin with. Can those with experience offer any advice on anything I can do short of having the head gasket replaced? Would the water pump still be on the short list of culprits?
Ted

dozer12216

Retorquing won't hurt. Since you have no performance enhancing devices listed, can I assure it's stock. Clean and dry the area very carefully. Do a pressure test on cooling system when cold and look for weepage. If nothing, get engine warm and try pressure test again with engine off. Then try short road test. Your effort is seeing if can spot leak when it starts. Not after it has flooded the entire area with coolant. Head gasket is much harder and pricier than thermostat gskt or water pump. A theromstat O ring sure kicked my rear for a period of time.

ted_pulliam

Thanks!

I will give this a try. I have located a coolant system pressure tester at :

http://www.amazon.com/Stant-12270-Co.../dp/B0002SRGWU

and will hopefully purchase this on payday!

Ted