So, I've noticed on the forums here that a few of you have newer engines that what came with your 2nd gen Blazer. So, I just hit 155,xxx and I'm loosing antifreeze, and I don't know where it is going. Its not leaking out as far as I can tell, as there are no puddles where I park it. I've heard this could be an indication of a head gasket leak/ bad seal. Sound correct? And if so, does it usually happen around the 150k mark? Also, what would be the damage $$$ wise of repairing that, or replacing the engine?

 

If you are losing coolant at a decent rate but its not leaving puddles, it could be going into your oil pan. Pull the dipstick and if it is milky or any color oil shouldn't be, stop driving it immediately. If that is whats wrong and has been happening for awhile you might need a new engine now or shortly down the road. Coolant was never intended to go inside the engine and the engine was never designed to run on coolant. If I remember correctly, it eats bearings which then ruins the engine. If you caught it early and didn't run it too much, a new head gasket would probably be around $1,500 is my guess. My mother's Beretta Z26 3100 was about that but this should be easier because it is rear wheel drive

 

^beat me to it

 

Ok, but I don't seem to have any antifreeze in my oil. Check that the other day, and other than being dirty, (I'm changing it on my day off next wed.) it looks ok. No milky or weird color. Any other way to check this to see if a head gasket is really the problem? I don't want to be stranded anywhere and I pride myself on never ending up on the side of the road broke.

 

The Blazers were famous for leaks on the intake gasket at the rear of the engine by distributor. Check this area. A lot of times it evaporates before it hits the ground therefore not visible.

 

PS
I have seen this on many blazers.

 

B4 spending all kinds of ridiculous amounts of money to try and find it, go to a repair shop that can pressure check the coolant system, or pick up a tester of your own, Stant makes good ones and can be ordered online. dont overpressure the system though..good luck.

 

So, pressure was NOT good in the system, and upon further invistigation as suggested by another member on a related thread, I checked the radiator, and guess what, cracked radiator! Saved me from getting a new engine, but still had to spend 2 days replacing the broken radiator. Overall, cheaper than buying a new engine, or a new blazer.

 

that long to change a rad? thats odd . did you run into probelms?