1999 GMC Jimmy Running Hot Coolant Loss

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KATHKART
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
What is causing the coolant/antifreeze and water to disappear? The car starts running hot; I refill the coolant; it's ok for a few days, then I have to do it all over again. I also hear a rattling noise when I start off from lights, stops, etc. Someone told me the muffler; someone told me the cad. converter. I don't know anything about cars!! Please help!
Dec 5, 2006 at 8:06 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
The anti freeze is not disappearing it has to be going somewhere. You must have a small leak. Check under and around your car for any puddles. If there are no puddles then you may have a more serious problem. The antifreeze could be leaking through a head gasket, crack in the block, or cracked head. First thing to do is check your oil and see if any antifreeze has seeped into it. It will look milky and whiteish. then check yoour antifreeze to see if there is oil in it. This is easier to see as the oil will float on top. Sometimes this condition is accompanied by white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. If either of these is the case then you need to head to a repair shop. As for the noise you are hearing it is very possible that it is an exhaust system issue. a basic exhaust system is made up of four parts. The Engine pipe, the catalytic convertor, the intermediary pipe, the muffler and the tail pipe. If any of these parts are worn (which they do rust and wear) it will cause a noise under your car.
Dec 12, 2006 at 9:31 AM

Suggested Repair

Look under the vehicle for coolant puddles. If none are found, check the oil for a milky appearance and the coolant for floating oil, and watch for white exhaust smoke, which can indicate a head gasket, cracked head, or cracked block. Have a shop diagnose internal leaks. Also inspect the exhaust system for rusted or worn parts that could cause the rattling noise.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 GMC Jimmy reports that coolant repeatedly disappears, the vehicle runs hot, and a rattling noise occurs when pulling away from stops. The expert explains that the coolant must be leaking externally or internally and recommends checking for puddles, milky oil, oil in the coolant, and white tailpipe smoke. Internal leakage may require shop repair. The noise may come from a worn exhaust component such as the engine pipe, catalytic converter, intermediate pipe, muffler, or tailpipe.

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