2000 Chevy Suburban Coolant leak on front side of motor

2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
155,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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89SIGO
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For the past few months, I have smelt a coolant leak on my suburban. No puddles anywhere though. The low coolant sensor seems to be quite sensitive, so when the overflow tank gets a bit low, the low coolant light comes on and I add a pint or so of collant. While completing an oil change yesterday (no water in the coolant..), I noticed a few orgae droplets on the underside and then pulled off the front plastic mud shield (6 bolts) that keeps rocks etc away for the belts. From there I would see dark streaks on the engine blcok coming down from teh water pump area.

I am wondering if I need a new water pump + gaskets...or maybe just new gaskets...
Nov 23, 2009 at 10:14 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Have a pressure test done, this will reveal the weak part(s). You can rent one at autozone, and get the fee back when the tester is returned.
Nov 23, 2009 at 10:46 AM
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89SIGO
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OK, good idea on the pressure tester. Should I test when cold, hot, or both?

I would expect a pressure drop, knowing I have a leak.

Should I expect to see coolant seeping out? bubbling out?
Nov 23, 2009 at 11:29 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Test cold! No burns that way! It will probably stream out under pressure!
Nov 23, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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89SIGO
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OK, got the tester. For my suburban, where do I attach the pressure tester to?
Nov 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Look on the radiator for a radiator cap, if it has one remove it and twist the tester on, then twist the lock on the tester so the tabs line up, then pump it it the rating on the radiator cap, probably 16 psi.
If no cap on radiaitor, look on the plastic tank(recovery bottle), remove the cap, and it may require an adapter for GM to attach the tester.
Nov 24, 2009 at 10:20 AM