Hey,
I'm new to this site and I searched around and couldn't find what I'm looking for. I know it's probably here somewhere but please forgive me and don't be too harsh if I'm posting in the wrong place.

I just bought a 1996 4 door Blazer LT edition about a month ago and it seems everything has been falling apart on it ever since. I have replaced so much on it already but now my antifreeze has started leaking from the bottom by that square oil sign (sorry, I'm a female and this is my first SUV so please bare with me on the proper names of car parts). I have to keep putting antifreeze directly into the radiator because it will not pull it from my reserve tank (which stays full). This causes my temp gage to go into the red and I can smell a "sweet burning" smell inside the truck (but no smoke). I also can hear this "swooshing of liquid" sound when I turn corners especially. I heard it may be the water pump but I'm not sure. Does anyone know what this could be?

Also, someone told me there was a screw broken off into my thermostat housing and told me that it could lock up the engine if I do not get it drilled out. Is this true? and how much does something like that cost? Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Yep, most likely the water pump has gone bad and water leaking from the weep hole.
Not really that bad of a job but it does take a little time.

As far as the thermostat housing, is it leaking also?
I don't think it cause the motor to lock up, but it does need to be addressed.

 

If one of the bolts at the thermostat housing is broke off, it most likely is leaking and may be the total source of your problem. If the system is not sealed, it will not work properly. You can either get someone to drill & easy-out the bolt or, if that isn't possible, replace the lower intake manifold with a junkyard unit.

Repeated overheating of the engine can definitely cause some serious problems so I would get it fixed ASAP. Once it is all said and done, make sure the mechanic tests the cooling system integrity by pressure testing the system.

*Moving to 2nd Gen Tech* - In the future, please read the descriptions of the sections and choose appropriately. There are technical sections for these types of questions. Thanks!

 

Thank you for your help. I will have that taken care of as soon as possible, and yes he did say the bolt is broken off and would have to be drilled out. So I'm guessing it would be best to have both done (the drilling and replacement of the water pump). Thanks again