So here is the deal, I am losing antifreeze, and last thing I want to do is replace the head gaskets if I don't have to.

I replaced my heater core and radiator last year and they are not leaking anymore. Intake gaskets, all hoses, and water pump replaced about 5 years ago and no leaks there anymore.

I am not seeing any leaks on the drive way (besides oil from timing cover leak), but I smell antifreeze burning next to engine bay. Outside of truck

I check the temp of exhaust manifold runners and the 5 I can get to are all similar when truck hot. I also do not see any white smoke coming from tailpipe


I usually drive the vette because it gets better gas mileage and slightly more fun but with winter coming up I will have to drive the Blazer

I have changed the oil and it was clean light brown oil after 2500 miles and no milky stuff on dipstick, I put the oil in a clear clean container and no water formed after sitting for 2 weeks.

I have used about 1 gallon of 50/50 non dexcool Prestone in the last 1500 or less miles

I guess I will pressure test for leaks when possible but what else can I try, I don't really want to pour any kind of sludgy junk in the coolant to "fix" like some would try.

 

thermostat housing or gasket?

The metal has a habit of rotting out and I have had issues with the gasket failing.

 

Since you had your intake manifold gaskets replaced, (5 years ago) they have redesigned the gasket. 5 Years ago the only thing available was the inferior OEM style gasket. The best thing going now is made by Felpro, part # MS98002T. If installed correctly, and torqued properly, they will not leak.

 

There are no leaks there between the steel inlet housing and aluminum intake but thank you for your information, I will keep an eye on that area

 

Thanks, I will check them out first before I get to removing heads

 

Look underneath the AC compressor and all along the intake where it meets the heads, I think you'll find your coolant leak Head gasket problems are extremely rare on the 4.3L engine.

 

Intake gaskets are not leaking and coolant is not dripping out anywhere

not going into floorboard, no smell inside either
not going into oil pan, no milky residue either
not coming out exhaust pipes, no smoke
not leaking out onto garage floor or driveway

i sat outside a store waiting for 45 minutes and none leaked out onto parking lot

I am still looking though

I still need to pressure test, soon maybe

I may just replace intake gaskets for the heck of it, I need to replace timing chain and cover anyway, and water pump is getting old

stupid turd truck

 

mines doing the same thing. had my head gasket replaced cause my truck blew the readiator and head gasket went along with it. but luckly my heads was still good and not warped or cracked. no leaks anywhere. and intake was replaced along with the heads...

 

There is a test kit for not alot of bread that chemicaly test for hydrocarbon leaks from the radiator. Always been gotta be worst case kind of guy even after EVERYBODY told me HG's dont go on 4.3's unless you realy cook the motor. Test was negative. For the life of me I cant remember what it was but it was stupid simple. Keep looking and just keep saying "Not HG, Not HG, Not HG." Good Luck!