Hi guys, I’m new here but hopefully would find some advice because I cherish my blazer. I have an 01 blazer that currently overheats. The problem began Saturday night. My cooler reservoir had brownish water in it. I was told to add distilled water in the meantime. today I bought a new coolant reservoir, and a gallon of Prestone 50/50 dex cool. Now before I do anything to the car, can I get an idea of what’s going on? When the car heated, there was white smoke coming from what seemed like the back of my alternator. It could be beneath, it has the syrupy smell as well. Is this a fix that won’t break the bank or would it be time to say goodbye to my truck? I’d really want to fix it and get a little more out of it while I save for a new V. Hope to hear from you guys!

Also, today I’vs been unable to put my ignition into default position to turn my car off. The car does shut off and I can remove the key but it is not in its regular spot. Any ideas?

 

If it's a lower intake gasket, you might be looking around 500$, if it's a water pump, I'm think a little cheaper. It's hard to tell as where exactly the leak is coming from.

the brownish liquid in the tank could just be old/mixed fluid...

 

Hmm well I researched the intake, I don’t have trouble driving it just over heats so signs might be water pump

 

If that's the case, you might also want to check your hoses and also swap out the thermostat...

 

Well, my thermostat was changed last year. But when I do turn on my car, there is a whiz winding sound it seems. I do have a video of the smoke from the location (idk if that matters) but the site doesn’t let me upload it directly from my iPhone. Also I can’t figure out my ignition problem as well

 

From your description of the smell, it sounds like a coolant leak. Are you losing coolant?

Do check your engine oil for any signs of contamination with coolant.

This vintage of Blazers did have bad lower intake manifold (LIM) gaskets. Hence my advice to look for coolant leaking on the inside of the engine.

 

Behind the Alternator? If your smelling a sweet odd small its coolant escaping someone First thing i'm thinking is thermostat housing area ..You will need to pin point the leak with a full rad So here is the way i would deal with your issue ..From having a cooler reservoir with brownish water in it. And no idea when the last time it was drained and flushed I would get distilled water fill the whole system to normal levels run the truck for 5 to 10 mins see if the Therostat opens once at normal running temps (check gauges) And with the hood open look for a leak around the hoses And thermo area grap the hose see if you feel the pressure in it squeeze it See if there is a sudden rush This means your water pump is working Turn on your heater in the cab if your getting hot air Your heater core is not clogged resqeexe the upper rad hose see if your getting the same pressure again Check again for leaks Buy some radiator flush And a few more distilled water jugs ..Drain whatever you have in the rad fill it up again with tap water And rad flush (read instructions) flush again Add your coolant and distilled water ..I always buy a concentrated coolant which means im able to fully fill my truck with 50/50 or 60/40 in the winter And have more which is better than less .......Also a good time to swap the thermostat out Don't understand why you bought a new coolant reservoir I hope not be cause of the brown color which can be cleaned out with a water hose