coolant leak

[spongebob]

it's on the drivers side, I thought I fixed it when I found the J shaped heater hose was leaking at the fire wall..but
it has come back. I read somewhere theres maybe a oil cooler line that has a rubber hose in that area??
Ive used a camera to try and see the origin of the leak..to no avail..

thoughts..

[spongebob]

well well well...I made a trip out of town and on my way back home (80 miles one way) I got the coolant lever low light..I pulled over and popped the hood, steam was coming out around the transmission dipstick... seemed the heater hose went...so I added a gallon of water and nursed it home..both the trans temp and engine temp were in the "OK " range just to the right of 210*..I'll be pulling the hose out soon, the longer of the two is $112.00. So I guess that was the source of my driver's side coolant leak...I hope.

[DmaxMaverick]

It's usually just the plastic quick connectors. If so, you don't need to replace the entire hose assembly. The connectors are available at almost any parts store. They clamp onto the existing hose. My son's 2007 Classic needed the same a few months ago.

[spongebob]

thanks I;; try that 1st..I did replace the "J" hose a couple of years ago..

[spongebob]

I replaced both hoses and used the stainless connectors (800-409hp). Hopefully, this is my leak fix..

[spongebob]

found my issue..and this is way over my ability to fix..so Ill be getting a mechanic to do the job

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auMUMj8hvsE

[DmaxMaverick]

How much is it leaking? If it isn't much, I might try some Cadillac tabs before going through all that. GM/ACD part # 12378255/10-108.

That video shows a 2004 LLY (2004.5 M/Y). Yours will be different, and may not have the same parts he repaired. I think they redesigned the entire cooler assembly. Early 2006 were designated LLY, VIN 2, but were in fact, LBZ hardware. LBZ came along with January 2006 builds, with a boost in power, through programming. 2006 models built in 2005 were power-restricted to previous LLY models, but got the 6-speed and LBZ hardware. In any case, 2006 models are different than previous model years, regardless of the VIN engine designation. However, a similar leak will likely be a similar job to fix. Read the comments. Others who have done that job suggest much/most of what the video shows isn't necessary for the seals in question.

That said, your leak could be in the oil cooler or tranny adapter area. Someone will have to do what he did, and crawl up in there and locate the source. Difficult to do w/o a lift or pit. Before dropping it at a shop to pay for a who-knows-what fix, I'd at least pull the wheel and fender liner and see what I can see. If it's a seal or damage you can identify, it may not be all that bad.

[spongebob]

The leak is intermittent, maybe a tablespoon, it went for weeks without leaking, and I thought I had it..

heres my vin: 1GCHK39E188360

[DmaxMaverick]

That's not a leak. That's a nuisance not worthy of all that Youtube nonsense. Probably wouldn't stain a driveway. I suggest Cadillac tabs (Amazon, eBay, or order locally), and keep the level up. Follow the instructions. If they work, you'll know it in a few weeks or a few hundred miles. Drop them in (all 5 tabs in the pack) while the coolant is hot, and run it a while. Too short or too cool and they take too long to work. They need to dissolve and circulate. Don't substitute another product. Use the real thing.

[spongebob]

thxs DmaxMaverick

[DmaxMaverick]

Also, your VIN 8th digit should be either 2 or D, for 2006. 2 is early, D is late. (I have no idea what is E) They are essentially the same powertrain, as described above, but simply designated and programmed differently.

[JohnC]

When the model year change happened in late 2005 GM was running an "employee pricing for all" promotion. Coincidentally, when it ended the "real" LBZ became available.

[More Power]

The oil cooler in these trucks have leaked coolant when subjected to cooling system over-pressure, like due to a bad head gasket. Gasket/seals packages are available for the various model years. A bit tedious to install, but...