So I just went ahead and put a gallon of coolant directly into the coolant passages on the head. And... coolant is leaking out from somewhere on what seems like the back corner on the drivers side still. Confirmed it is not leaking from the freeze plug on the side of the block.

So, looks like it's a bigger issue, or one of those pesky freeze plugs behind the bell housing that I read the 1995 4.3s had.

Unfortunately I don't have the resources to fix that, so the truck will be going to scrap looks like. Too bad for a fully optioned SLT Jimmy with a W 4.3 and 3.73 G80.

 

Oh man, that sucks. If you are correct, could you pull the transmission to get at it?

Is it worth trying sell it as a project instead of wrecking it?

 

What she said. If it's in good shape otherwise, it sounds like a perfect V8 swap project for someone who is so inclined.

 

I agree with the others who have commented. Dont wreck it. Its Actaully not as difficult as you think to take the trans out, you might want to look into it, or even see what a shop would want. Might only be a few hundred depending on the place.

 

Oh man..... dont wreck it. It may sound like an overwhelming job, but definately worth it. If you've got another DD, take some time to at least thing about it. Trans in these arent hard to pull, neither are the engines. Swap it for another 4.3 if you're not interested in a V8 swap. You'll be glad you did when it's done. If you do decide to get rid of it, I agree sell it as a project! Someone else would LOVE to have it!!

 

If it's a rear freeze plug the water would stay in the bell housing and drop out the bottom - before giving up I think you need to investigate more .....

 

Just a thought...

... heater hose connector at the rear of the block, the heater hose itself or even where the hose connects to the heater core at the firewall. Water would run down the firewall and wheel well onto the bellhousing, maybe dripping along the hose and hitting the starter and exhaust.

Easiest way to find the leak would be to pressurize the cooling system. Any shop should have proper caps with an air connector. or can be brazed on DIY. Put a couple PSI on and such an important leak should show up right away.

 

Ok, so I'm losing coolant too. The little indication I have points to rear driver side. For the life of me I can't find a way to see anything back there.

is a bore camera the only way?

 

One idea is to switch from ethylene glycol coolant, to propylene glycol. I read it won't damage your engine anywhere near as bad as ethylene. AND.......it does not kill pets. One tablespoon of EG can kill a 15lb dog. The only negative I've found about PG, is that it costs more.

 

Yup. That's what I run in mine, for exactly those reasons. I have no coolant leaks right now, but you never know.