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coolant issues

1K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  ASTE25 
#1 ·
Hello all...first post just joined.
Have a 2002, 1500 step side V6 116,000 miles. For the past 6 months I have smelled coolant but have no clue where it is coming from. I was loosing coolant a few months back but still could not find location. I have checked under interior carpet and found no leak.
I have replaced radiator cap and the reservoir cap. Interestingly enough the amount of coolant loss has dropped since those replacements!!!

I can go a week or two and not smell the odor of coolant...but today it was back. I have not had an emissions test done at this time.
Any ideas??,
 
#4 ·
Long overdue update. The coolant leak on my 2003 6cyl stepside has been located. It is coming from my intake manifold.
I was given a quote of $590.00. I have been getting other prices...but now I am being told there are two intake manifolds; a bottom and top. One service shop told me that it is most likely the bottom gasket and he gave me a quote of $875.00. I have been investigating the history of the 6cyl engine and I guess it not uncommon for this gasket to fail. Questions are 1.What is a typical cost for repair and is it typically the bottom gasket.
Thanks in advance for replys
 
#5 ·
Rockauto has the Felpro upper and lower gasket set for 30.00. The bolts should be replaced too. Another 20.00. Ad another 20.00 in coolant. On the V8 it took me about 2 hours to remove the intake manifold and change the knock sensors. I would find a shop that has a reasonable rate per hour and gives a breakdown of what they're charging. 590 sounds like 90 in parts 250/hour labor. 875 jumps to 400/hour in labor.
 
#8 ·
Easy job. Save yourself the money and do it yourself. Make sure if you do it yourself you get the felpro kit. If they don't offer the kit make sure you replace the fuel injector o rings. One small little tear in the o ring will cause you to lose mpg's. Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the o ring before putting the injectors back in. At least I do anyway. Also if there is a bottom and a top which I've never heard of, replace both. Save yourself the headache of the upper leaking later down the road.
 
#11 ·
Intake manifold has been replaced....a much bigger challenge than I thought. I noticed the plastic flange that holds distributor in place was cracked and loose. So I replaced entire distributor too. So far the gasket is holding true. The change in performance from replacing original distributor is very obvious. Thanks to all for their advice.
 
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