Troubleshooting/Locating coolant leak
 

Hey guys I'm hoping y'all have some insight on my issue.
01 blazer LS 2dr 246xxx
Last week I noticed a coolant smell and sure enough there was a small amount on the underside of my hood
The coolant level hadn't fluctuated a bit since I got the truck until now. Having trouble pinpointing the source of the leak and I'd rather not just throw parts at it and hope it works. What I've gathered so far the most likely culprits are water pump gasket/hoses/connections, lower intake manifold gasket, thermostat gasket. Just wondering if anyone has any tricks to narrow it down. Any input is appreciated 👍 thanks for reading!

Could be a hose or the upper intake manifold gasket, radiator cap, radiator, coolant overflow hose, coolant pump leaking; coolant drops hit the fan and then goes everywhere.
Get the flashlight out and start looking is where I would suggest starting. No real shortcuts or tricks...other than leak is probably not the lower hose.

Good luck with it.

I guess I forgot to mention I did visually search for the leak first, from just what I could see it might be the hose going into the topside of the water pump, looked to be starting to dry rot and the clamp might have been overtightened whenever it was installed

Change everything, and while you’re at it install a new radiator

Hey it's Mr helpful everyone

Sorry for being brutally honest, but there’s no need for the sarcasm on your part.

From what you’ve written, it’s pretty clear that you have no clue how to find a leak, and have probably done zero PM to your cooling system “since you got it”.
Unless you’re the type that likes being stranded, your 24X,XXX mile ride is due for everything

Perhaps you should read the entirety of the posts before you comment on them, had you done so, you would've seen I said I'm not going to waste money buying parts that aren't broke. Everything I've put new on it has been necessary. I do appreciate you assuming I'm stupid for asking for advice

Ignore him - dry it all off, turn the truck over and start checking primarily that upper filler neck ontop of the intake manifold, around where it bolts down and where the hose seats onto it, outside of that i recommend pulling the fan shroud off and the clutch fan, to check around the radiator for pinholes, check the plastic sidetanks too, around where they crimp in and else where.

If you have a rather strong smell from coolant also check passenger side foot bay for moisture. Usually when the heating core leaks, or when it leaks along the heater hoses it runs behind the carpet on the firewall and drips down on the passenger foot bay onto the transmission tunnel.

Another thought is buying/borrowing or use a auto parts chain 'lending' program....a coolant pressure tool......hook up, clean everything, pressurize. look for leak. Jerry