Hi Guys.

I am one of those members that likes to read most of the time and only post when needed.

I tried searching but my coolant leak is odd and nothing comes up.

I have an 01 Blazer extreme 4.3, two wheel drive.

A coolant leak has developed that runs down and over the transmission on the drivers side. I can't see anything from the top side. Oil is clean and clear of any coolant or milky substance. No white smoke out of tailpipe.

Is there a common leak that runs down the back of the engine?
It is leaking quite quickly down there. upper engine dry.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Probably the lower intake manifold gasket even though no coolant seen on the top side.

 

Thanks Lanny, I new these were a problem but I thought they were better by the time 01 was produced.

Do you know the re and re procedure for the gasket? Is it a DIY for the novice backyard mechanic?

What would a shop charge for labor to do the job? (hours)

Thanks again.

 

You can do it yourself and save a lot of Franklins. It depends on where you live according to what a shop will charge. In Alabama most shops charge what the dealer charges...Chevy ($80/hr). A shop will keep it 6 hours probably, so $80/hr x 6/hr= $480 just in labor.

It's not hard to do, did mine on my 2001 Xtreme. Make sure to get Felpro gasket...part# MS 98002 T.

 

A search of the site will show how to replace and let you know if you are able to. Also YouTube has some good videos. I was not able to replace mine (bad back) on an 02 so the Dealer did it. Total cost was around $700 four years ago. Hope this helps.

 

yeah my 04 had the problem when I first got it, so no they didn't fix it by 01 lol

it's not too hard of a job if your just a little mechanically inclined. you'll need an in/lbs torque wrench to put everything back together, but aside from that basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, etc). it also helps to rent the fan clutch removal too to get the fan out of the way, but I don't think that's 100% necessary, just makes it easier.

it's more time consuming than anything else. if you've never dug in there, put a weekend aside to do it. I'm still putting mine together, but I'm replacing/upgrading a LOT more than just the lower manifold gaskets lol

 

As several have stated, not a difficult job, but does takes time. I did not remove the fan when I did mine ('02) so it is not required, but would allow more room. There is one trick to know and that there is a hidden bolt on the power steering pump bracket that is on the bottom of the bracket. The power steering pump is not removed, but the bracket/pump is slide forward to allow valve cover removal. There is a good article with pictures somewhere on the web that shows all the steps necessary to do this job.

Takes mostly time and attention to details as there are lots of fasteners to remove. Another tricky one is the cruise control cable clip on the throttle body. It is plastic and requires patience to remove without breaking it....which you do not want to do!!

Hopefully you have access to a garage as doing this in a parking lot would not be fun at all.

Good luck.

 

Just to close off the thread.

Thanks to all that replied. Great info and advice.

I ended up having it towed to my mechanic. I have auto club so the towing was covered.

He charged me $420 for parts and labor. Not bad for the amount of work.This included an oil change.

While there I decided to get a tune up done. This truck had gone 145000 miles and never had plugs or wires changed. another $200.00 for parts and labor.

Truck now runs as good as new. probably getting slightly better mileage now.

Thanks again.

 

Actually I would say you got out pretty for $420 for the amount of work that's involved