Chevy 5.3 Antifreeze Loss: Cracked Head

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
  • In this video I show an example of cylinder head on a 5.3 GM leaking coolant. This is a relatively common problem you may discover on GM V8's.
    TSB:
    #06-06-01-019B: Information on Gradual Coolant Loss Over Time with No Evidence of Leak Found - (Jun 12, 2007)
    Subject: Information on Gradual Coolant Loss Over Time With No Evidence of Leak Found
    Models: 2004-2006 Buick Rainier
    2001-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models
    2001-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Blazer, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer Models
    2001-2006 GMC Envoy, Jimmy, Sierra, Yukon Models
    2001-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
    2005-2006 Saab 9-7X
    with 4.8L or 5.3L VORTEC® GEN III, GEN IV V8 Engine (VINs V, T, M, B, Z -- RPOs LR4, LM7, LH6, L33, L59)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This bulletin is being revised to include engine RPO L59. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-06-01-019A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Some vehicles may experience a gradual coolant loss over time. A very low percentage of cylinder head(s) manufactured with an embossed Castech logo may develop a porosity crack in a very specific area.
    Inspect the cylinder head assembly to determine if the casting was manufactured by Castech. This can be accomplished by inspecting for their casting logo located on top of the intake port, under the rocker arm support rail and in the spring deck cavity portion of the cylinder head.
    Important: If the cylinder head(s) are Not a Castech casting, follow normal diagnostic procedures in SI to determine the cause of the coolant loss.
    Refer to the following illustrations on how to identify Castech casting and/or the very specific areas of the cylinder head(s) for a coolant leak from porosity.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: / southmainauto
    CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
    teespring.com/stores/the-sma-...
    If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
    The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
    www.amazon.com/shop/southmain...
    AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=af...
    Thank you for all the continuing support!
    --Eric & Vanessa O.
    Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
    Just ship it here:
    South Main Auto Repair
    47 S. Main St
    PO Box 471
    Avoca, NY 14809
    Disclaimer:
    Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
  • ยานยนต์และพาหนะ

ความคิดเห็น • 998

  • @alirezar2069
    @alirezar2069 5 ปีที่แล้ว +312

    Big shout-out to the owner who did not make it someone else's problem by just selling the car!

    • @SalandFindles
      @SalandFindles 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Not gonna lie, I'd do that. Ain't got the money to spend at a price-gouging mechanic who feels like he can charge me $10,000 to change one part.

    • @throttlebottle5906
      @throttlebottle5906 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      yeah, people do that often and think it's all good until they sell it to the wrong person and that person takes revenge.

    • @mikedayitt
      @mikedayitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      your right there is an angry face lol

    • @SalandFindles
      @SalandFindles 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@throttlebottle5906 Revenge isn't legal and these days, it's impossible to get away with a crime. If someone wants to come and beat me up, so be it. They'll be behind bars so fast it'll make their heads spin.

    • @brianburns7211
      @brianburns7211 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      SalandFindles There are other honest mechanics like Mr. O.

  • @miketeeveedub5779
    @miketeeveedub5779 5 ปีที่แล้ว +153

    "They admit there's a problem, they know there's a problem, yet they ain't gonna pay for it..." - seems to be a common theme among many car manufacturers today. Thanks for providing us with some insight to an insidious issue.

    • @Skyhawk1998
      @Skyhawk1998 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      They ain't gonna pay for it unless it kills someone. Even then you might have to sue them a few times.

    • @miriamvivo4279
      @miriamvivo4279 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Get together all and discuss class action suit. Gonna need big numbers to start and lawyers

    • @miketeeveedub5779
      @miketeeveedub5779 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@miriamvivo4279 - Absolutely! Case-in-point in addition to this truck; my brother owns a Ford Focus with the dreaded DCT transmission. The only way these manufacturers will learn is to hit them in the wallet.

    • @larryjhoward
      @larryjhoward 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Just like GMs active fuel management lifters.

    • @glennworton2494
      @glennworton2494 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      On the other side - My '15 Hyundai Elantra developed what I thought was a lifter click at 95,000 miles - took it in to the dealership for an oil change, asked them to look at it, and was boggled - they replaced the short block without a word said - I'm told over 15,000 engines with bad cylinder coatings. Just had to prove that the oil had been changed regularly (easy - changed every 5,000 at the dealership). even had a free loaner for the three days it took. Note - here in Canada, the powertrain warranty is only for 60,000 miles, so the engine was long out of warranty.

  • @TylersNeighborhoodGarage
    @TylersNeighborhoodGarage 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Independent garages and aftermarket parts suppliers should thank General Motors every day for supplying them with a long, fruitful, profitable career.

  • @bighurk30able
    @bighurk30able 5 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    That Head's just nervous and sweating because it's in the presence of the greatest mechanic 👍👍

  • @bmaiceman
    @bmaiceman 5 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    THERE IS A ANGRY FACE ON THE BOLT!!!! LOL

    • @chuckgrenci6404
      @chuckgrenci6404 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I saw that too; thought more like an, OH know, I'm leaking.

    • @belowme4927
      @belowme4927 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      MR BILL BOLT HEAD....OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    • @TheRageBrain
      @TheRageBrain 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@belowme4927 that's exactly what I thought!

    • @gunther955
      @gunther955 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      lol

    • @bigragu6828
      @bigragu6828 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Perhaps a “yikes” emoji.

  • @michaelblacktree
    @michaelblacktree 5 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    @ 1:06 - Focus, you f... nevermind. 😉

    • @anthonymason701
      @anthonymason701 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I though i was watching AvE for a second! Lol

  • @rebelndirt8830
    @rebelndirt8830 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The timing on this video is amazing!! ON Tuesday I had a customer ask me about this very issue. I told him it was not uncommon, and that pulling the valve covers will reveal the true culprit. he didn't believe me. Ok fine, I can live with that. But on Wednesday he called me from the mechanic's shop to order a pair of heads, and asked how I knew this was an issue... experience...

  • @davidlord3865
    @davidlord3865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My 2000 Silverado has 385k miles and this coolant situation stared about 10k mikes ago. No signs anywhere of leakage, so this may be my answer to my 1 quart add every couple of weeks. Thanks for the info. Ive been contemplating valve seal replacement so I'll take a look at that. This will be the first time the valve covers have been off in 385k miles.

  • @zeropointzero
    @zeropointzero 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Learned something new today. Sadly, around here, such a discovery usually ends with a bottle of K-Seal in the rad, because no one has the money to fix an engine problem on a truck that's one season away from hitting the junkyard.

    • @redamaleki
      @redamaleki 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      K-Seal worked for me, but I was only willing to try it on my 03 that has 220k miles on it. And knock on "castech" still working great after 18 months.

    • @lucastheriault2787
      @lucastheriault2787 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@redamaleki I'm gonna have too try it on my 04 that's losing antifreeze with no sign of leak 706 stamped heads 193000 miles..

    • @geraldbowling2973
      @geraldbowling2973 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I tried K seal about 1000 miles ago. So for no coolant loss and building up more pressure on top radiator hose. Got the tip from these video.

  • @AaronFernandes__
    @AaronFernandes__ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Worst part of the video is at 4:20, when it ends! I am a mechanic and have been for a little over a year now and I can't tell you how much I've learned from my shop and your channel put together. I am working my way up fast thanks to Eric! Amazing channel and shop you're running, keep up the good work. 👍🏼

  • @doctorjohn-burgtekie
    @doctorjohn-burgtekie 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Glad to see SMA business is good and you have hired more help.

  • @zcamarta
    @zcamarta 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Great Video! Had the Same problems with my 2006 GMC Sierra with the 5.3. I did an oil change and noticed coolant was in the oil. Took it to the stealership and they told me that the head gasket was gone. They had the head pressure tested and found no problem. They reassembled and said it was good. I took it to the lake about an hour out of town. The following day fired it up and it sounded like a sewing machine. They installed the old valve seals and it was burning oil. They then told me that I didn't tell them to replace the valve seals and they wanted 1000$ to replace them all. I argued and they agreed to pay. The next oil change same problem oil in the coolant. I'm sure the problem was the exact same problem that you had here with that truck. Good on you to take the time to diagnose the problem and actually offer a solution. Like a real mechanic not like these Automotive Tech's that use the computer! I ended up getting pissed off changed the oil and traded it in on a brand new Toyota Tundra. I used to buy nothing but Gm's and dad bought nothing but GM's. Toyota makes a better product hands down. Thanks for the video!

    • @jimmmymerica8951
      @jimmmymerica8951 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No anything is better than a riceoto

    • @zcamarta
      @zcamarta 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jimmmymerica8951 nope. Made in merica. Not mexico like gm and ram. Yoda or ford sir. Over

    • @Highstranger951
      @Highstranger951 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Zac Camarta I’m happy you finally got a proper truck sir.

  • @halleffect1
    @halleffect1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    heard you mention this in the live feed yesterday, was curious so went looking for videos about the problem. of course couldn't find anything worth watching, then was hoping you'd make a video and..
    Thanks! you really do crank out some of the highest quality content on YT.

  • @DL-qq4nu
    @DL-qq4nu 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Super happy you made a video on this. I never in a million years thought anyone on youtube would do one. Spontanious cracked heads is such a foreign concept that some OG's i was talking to refused to believe it telling me i mustve overheated the motor before hand. And when i insisted i didnt they said i probally didnt notice or my ECTS engine coolant temp sensor was bad and motor got cooked without my knowledge. i even had someone go as far to say my gauge cluster was defective and didnt notify proper temp and i supposidly cooked the motor. god damn im so happy for this video. living breathing proof of GMs alluminum crap!!! #ban alluminum!!!!

  • @petermartinez5573
    @petermartinez5573 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You da man Eric. You probably forgot more about cars than I'll ever know.

  • @bowtech1020
    @bowtech1020 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I been watching your videos for a little while now.. And I must say... I'm impressed. I wish you were closer to where I lived I would definitely take my jeep to u if it needed anything. 04wj overland... Keep up the great work.. I feel guys like u are a dying breed.. Hard to find a honest mechanic that is a great at diagnose.. Love the channel!!

  • @thehappytexan
    @thehappytexan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Man am I glad for this little nugget of knowledge! I have ton of family and friends driving these things and this is the first I’ve heard about this ordeal. Pretty crappy that gm knows their castings are porous and does nothing about it but admit it.

  • @brandono.4945
    @brandono.4945 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Make a part 2 of this video where you fix and replace all that. Would be cool to see it all get disassembled and put back together. Don't get to see very many of these types of jobs. Would be good to see how you do it and maybe some tips or tricks. Great videos Eric!

  • @yugserp
    @yugserp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well, I guess I'll be pulling the valve covers tomorrow. Up till now I've been thinking that my coolant loss was due to the corroded crossover pipe between the heads. Thanks for the clear and concise explanation. I just discovered and subscribed to your channel. I still love Chevys! Take care and God bless!

  • @jmcenterprises9591
    @jmcenterprises9591 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have a 5.3, will keep this in mind. Thanks Eric O.

  • @SmittySmithsonite
    @SmittySmithsonite 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Typical GM! Create a problem by trying to save a buck, then duck, weave, and dodge any consumer warranty claims. Real nice! 🤬 I'm so done with that company after all the crap I've gone through with my '07 Silverado. First and LAST new vehicle I'll ever buy.
    Great vid, man - I haven't had the joy of having one of these to fix yet. Plenty of them out there, for sure, so I'm probably bound to at some point! 🍻

  • @paulkirkland1535
    @paulkirkland1535 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Eric O: Great find and diagnosis of this issue. I've seen this scenario on different engines over the years. The last time I dealt with a similar issue was a Cummins ISX diesel engine. The cylinder head had to be replaced at a cost of around. $5-6K large. Yup stuff happens unfortunately.

  • @cheyennec-104
    @cheyennec-104 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another well done video. I do agree with a previous poster re casting porosity (vs a crack) and the use of AC Delco Cooling System Sealant Tablets for as an initial repair method. I had this same issue on my 2002 Silverado when it was about 4 years old. I used the GM sealant tablets and the dropping coolant level problem disappeared after a few weeks. I drove that truck for another 9 years without a recurring coolant loss problem.

  • @cesaralonso5701
    @cesaralonso5701 5 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Do a video on the head job ...great video btw..keep it up!

  • @lukoitautodetailingllc3124
    @lukoitautodetailingllc3124 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The nut above the crack is shocked and scared at the same time.

  • @skoal22005
    @skoal22005 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    12 years old and needs a new head, Great quality.

    • @throttlebottle5906
      @throttlebottle5906 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      look at where it was all cast and of what materials... highly likely it was full of impurities from recycled junk and poor control of casting production, I know assembly was Ontario, Canada and Michigan, as for being cast likely all Mexico and India

  • @ItsaRomethingeveryday
    @ItsaRomethingeveryday 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Notorious Chevy problem, Liked

  • @patrickmorgan3326
    @patrickmorgan3326 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks, you just solved the disappearing coolant mystery on my sons Chevy.

  • @mdotguy
    @mdotguy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    4:20 runtime, crackhead Chevy, and I'm officially a S.M.A.C. addict. Thanks for the vids Dr. O!

    • @SuperDd40
      @SuperDd40 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      LOL you beat me to it

  • @jasonmushersee
    @jasonmushersee 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    topside creeper. man i need one of those!

  • @esmith836
    @esmith836 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was a fantastic find! Fabulous job!

  • @WCSPete1
    @WCSPete1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Incredible find. Skills Mr O.

  • @nukemanmd
    @nukemanmd 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    GM's response: "It's not a defect - it's a feature that helps to keep your engine nice and clean."

    • @BruceLee-xn3nn
      @BruceLee-xn3nn 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Getting water in the oil is never good

    • @Travis3500
      @Travis3500 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BruceLee-xn3nn it’s a joke

  • @GregoryBirulkin
    @GregoryBirulkin 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Try taking a hammer and punch to crush down the porosity, retest with pressurized coolant system- It should work.
    That's what we used to do at Dana Spicer to seal Axle housings.

  • @rolandos64
    @rolandos64 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    god, this video helped me so much. So simple yet clear. I just purchased a re manufactured motor from advanced powertrain solutions. Stay Away!!!! I had just primed the oil pump and was just adding coolant when bolt #14 had a leak on the passenger side. I hadn't even turned the motor over yet. It already had a leak. They wont fix it. They are providing me with a 50 hour labor rate and a all data 8.1 hour allowance. I live in california. Our minimum hour labor rate are much higher than in most states. let alone skilled licensed employees. I cant find a shop charging anything less than $1600 to do just the labor.
    I was skeptic about a crack in the head. This video made me a believer Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • @adamtrombino106
    @adamtrombino106 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Local machine shop has a pile of these in their back room. Cast porosity seems to be the issue most of the time, usually that center inner bolt seat or towards the rear. They are saying to test the engine cold, as they are seeing the head seal up when hot in some cases. They recommend replacing the heads with the updated GM part ( i don't know the p/n) which comes bare. Back in the day, our company had a fleet of 1500s with the 5.3, 05-07s. Every single 1 of them developed this problem and Chevy was replacing them for free up to 80k.

  • @billziegmond4943
    @billziegmond4943 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I cracked my head once and bourbon leaked out. LOL

  • @atgn-0088
    @atgn-0088 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I inherited this same issue on a Tahoe about five years ago and thought I was loosing my mind along with all that Dex-cool. Endend up just swapping the motor with a used one after it started sucking down oil at a alarming rate too.

    • @Sluna773
      @Sluna773 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Pierre Topeze did that about 5-6 years ago on an 04 yukon with 130k on it. Now 217k and the problem has begun once more.

    • @shawno2363
      @shawno2363 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I did the same thing, replaced my heads at 170 and now at 250 its bad again. Went from the castec to gm heads.

    • @reesemoerike7923
      @reesemoerike7923 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shawno2363 you went to gm heads and they cracked? Or they cracked a second time and then you went to gm heads? I’m thinking I might have this problem on my 01 burb

  • @tdhodroid
    @tdhodroid 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good tip on the steam cleaning! Keep em coming.

  • @livalittle100
    @livalittle100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I see them leak out of the small hoses that go to the throttle body too. Great video Eric.

  • @MirceaD28
    @MirceaD28 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Even the screw head looks like it's not pleased

  • @epicragegaming2016
    @epicragegaming2016 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    whenever a gm with more than 60,000 miles rolls in i absolutely expect 3 things. oil leak, coolant leak, transmission leak. and stabilitrak needing service on the dash lol.

    • @zappyxp1575
      @zappyxp1575 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      What's the cause of that? "Service 4x4 service stability system"

    • @Chinunit22
      @Chinunit22 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Or it's just magically fixes itself on a road, there are hidden unicorns amongst them.

    • @zappyxp1575
      @zappyxp1575 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jimmy S I drive an 04 yukon

  • @JohnRodriguesPhotographer
    @JohnRodriguesPhotographer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a 1987 Ford Aerostar with the 4L V6 in it. I bought it new. I had a couple thousand miles on it when I went on vacation. Vacation was about a 3000 mile round trip. One of the things I would do whenever I stopped for gas or anything else I would pop the hood check the oil check the coolant. I noticed my overflow jug was empty. Prior to pulling over I had noticed some oscillation and the temperature gauge. So seeing this I figured I had are going through the system periodically. I bought a few gallons of antifreeze and a couple gallons of water. Topped up the system and drove the rest of the way home, about 170 MI, basically Interstate 10 and I-75 2 South Tampa at lower speeds people behind me didn't like it much. Vehicle is still under warranty and they had an idea what the problem was but because of warranty rules they took the easy way out and didn't pull the heads. I topped up the system and claimed it was nothing wrong. I continued to have the problem. I put some marks on the overflow tank, which had none, 2 gauge how much coolant had been lost. I took the van back to the dealer 10 times. I then send a letter to Ford invoking my rights under the Lemon Law. you see I knew what the problem was. I had seen some articles in the news regarding Fasteners coming from Taiwan that were marked the wrong tensile strength. And my head bolts we're stretching. I gave the van back to the dealer as requested by Ford Motor Company and the service manager drove my van for a week. he noted the same loss of coolant that I did. the next part is kind of funny. A representative from the Ford Motor Company office in Jacksonville came down to Tampa to discuss the issues with my van with me. During the course of the discussion he said to me that the coolant in my van contracts as it gets hot and expands as it cools off. I was about to blow the seals on my overflow tank at that moment! and the service manager John Benson I think his name was, a good man, saw me about to explode and corrected the guy from Jacksonville's statement. The guy from Jacksonville had one of those dumb blank looks on his face that just proclaims What? so they finally took the van in to replace the head bolts. I knew what they did it was a difficult engine to access. They took the valve covers off took out the bolts and put in new ones. I don't think they even put in a new head gasket which is stupid. This process actually made it worse. I am of the opinion that the heads were warped from the uneven torquing and I told him that. I said those head should have been pulled completely out of the engine and trued to make sure they weren't warped. Long story short I got a brand new van out of the effort. I did not consult an attorney until I got a letter from Ford with contradictory dates in it. She was amazing I've gotten as far as I had and verified the date I thought I should use. so while I was just disappointed with my Ford how is also aware that some things are not made by the manufacturer of the car. a lot of Manufacturers were having trouble with the substandard Fasteners that year. if you have a new car and the Lemon Law in your state says you have to take it in 3 times for the same problem, take it in 6 8 10 times and then pursue the Lemon Law. it makes your case that much stronger and Ford or whoever if they have any brains won't fight you. if they ask you to let them work on it more let them work on it more. I gave Ford my Van four more times after I sent my letter invoking lemon law. I got another Aerostar, it was great and didn't have any troubles with it. I just related this story because there is another way for coolant to disappear and not leave a trace. They did test my antifreeze and it did show exhaust gases in it. a funny side note I would go to that dealer and people I didn't even know and had never met would say hi mr. Rodrigues

  • @alanmoffat4680
    @alanmoffat4680 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ashes cricket rained out so glad to see a SMA vid.

  • @David9523
    @David9523 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for posting this Eric, now I know where my anti freeze has been going for the last 100k. (About a quarter of a gallon every 5k) no other leaks, it was making me crazy. truck now has 185 on it buts still runs good.
    Anyway to please post the head replacement? I would love to watch it and tackle this myself. Love the channel.

  • @dustin9035
    @dustin9035 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As Bob Lutz sits back smoking his cigar, coughing and laughing about it while looking at his huge bank balance.

  • @baxrok2.
    @baxrok2. 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Holy cow, that is a subtle one. Must smell like antifreeze all the time in that thing. Thanks Dr. O!

    • @throttlebottle5906
      @throttlebottle5906 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      you'd probably never smell it, unless you were sniffing the exhaust right after cold start as it boiled it off and sucked it through the pcv and engine.

  • @WastedTalent-
    @WastedTalent- 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Ah, I see it uses Dex-Cool, The Eater of 3.4L Head Gaskets. GM knew it was a problem from the beginning and refused to recall or fix anyone's cars.

  • @15743_Hertz
    @15743_Hertz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    And since they know that they sold junk to customers with no intentions of financial reparation, I just wonder if in future they wonder why the customers don't come back for more sales?

  • @jamessmith-wn7ty
    @jamessmith-wn7ty 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the information, I haven't checked it yet but I'm almost sure that's the problem after watching your video. Good Info. Thanks from Virginia

  • @jessemarshall7176
    @jessemarshall7176 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought a Yukon xl in another state and didn’t know it had a cracked head until about halfway into my 600 mile drive home. Passenger head was cracked but I got a good deal on the car and on new heads so I changed them both. Spent my whole thanksgiving vacation changing heads

  • @JeffDeWitt
    @JeffDeWitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    After replacing the head take the greasy, nasty old one to a Chevy dealer and leave it in the middle of the showroom floor.

    • @Dirtyharry70585
      @Dirtyharry70585 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      drop it in the front window from a drone in Detroit at Chevys Corporate Home office.

    • @JeffDeWitt
      @JeffDeWitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Dirtyharry70585 That would take a really heavy duty drone plus you would face criminal charges. Leaving the head on the showroom floor would be much cheaper, legal, and far more annoying and embarrassing to the Chevy people.

    • @robertbell525
      @robertbell525 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This would be funny on a busy Saturday

    • @JeffDeWitt
      @JeffDeWitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@robertbell525 Yep! The goal is maximum embarrassment.

    • @Dirtyharry70585
      @Dirtyharry70585 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JeffDeWitt: bah mumbug

  • @Joe_HamRadioGuy
    @Joe_HamRadioGuy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice find, hope you can film the replacement.

  • @rlb3255
    @rlb3255 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for doing this. It points precisely to my problem and cause. By the way, I'm seeing this on my 2015 5.3 w/ 47 k miles.

  • @kevinwoodcock7578
    @kevinwoodcock7578 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thought I saw your newest employee rockin an 'Army dad' shirt. As the father of two boys who both currently serve, I think it's great you hired on a man that served.

  • @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP
    @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP 5 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    *GM **_will_** pay for it, when I become Supreme Ruler.*

    • @Troy_Built
      @Troy_Built 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Make them pay for the brake lines while you are at it.

    • @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP
      @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Troy_Built
      *I wouldn't buy a Taco from Mexico.*
      *We basically have a de facto China on our Southern Border.*
      *I wish the phrase "Made in USA" was 100% true.*
      *Our economy makes us demand high wages. That's why we think*
      *Chinese People work for Slave wages- when actually- except for the*
      *Government- it's not much different than in USA.*
      *Their food markets don't have 50 different choices of bread*
      *and cereal on the shelves.*
      *Their neighborhoods aren't infested with machine gun-toting*
      *drug dealers- who sit there for 7 hours, having a shootout with*
      *the Police, and then are captured- only to go to a Court and*
      *plead not guilty, followed by years of free appeals and 3 hot meals.*
      *So many People commit horrible crimes because our Judicial*
      *System is a joke; for People of Color, it's usually a hand up from*
      *their day-to-day reality- hence the skewed population percentages*
      *their Representatives are always screaming about.
      *Mr. PA Shooter will go to prison, and be praised, applauded, and*
      *even respected by his fellow Inmates.*
      *His life won't be much different in prison.*
      *If there were no speed limits- how fast would everyone drive?*
      *WTF DOES ALL THIS HAVE TO DO WITH A POORLY BUILT ENGINE?*

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP about 90mph is my answer.... unless on the highway... then much faster

    • @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP
      @HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SouthMainAuto
      I can imagine you as the new Mad Max post-apocalyptic Ruler's Head Mechanic- that keeps all his vehicles working.

  • @CubasAutomotive
    @CubasAutomotive 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I've had tons of mysterious coolant loss on the 5.3s over the years. Pressurized the system so many times... never found anything. I was also the person who would normally maintain them, and never found anything in the oil either. A few would lose up to a gallon a month. ... but again, was never able to find anything. Hot or cold. I'd have it pressurized up to an hr at times. Never would lose anything, especially not to the extent of a gallon a month... also, never overheating issue or running hot.
    Interesting find... wouldn't you see this in the oil at changes?

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  5 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      So that's the thing with this one particularly. 1/2 gallon coolant in 5k. Never had sludgy oil and no other symptoms at all. I assume it "steams" off at the rate it enters the head and gets sucked right out the PCV. Never seen one yet that showed anything in the oil. @15 psi it would lose about 3lbs in an hour just fyi. On a cold engine.

    • @CubasAutomotive
      @CubasAutomotive 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@SouthMainAuto interesting! Wow! Thanks for the heads up!! One of the most insightful things I found from you so far! Gracias! Te lo agradezco! 😊😊🤗🤗

    • @skylinefever
      @skylinefever 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      If you buy used oil analysis, you can find when tiny amounts of antifreeze enter oil. I think the measurement of certain combustion byproducts can indicate that either a failed head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or cylinder bore/liner failure is at fault. Once you get that message, you pull the heads off the engine, then send them to a machinist for inspection.
      I'm not sure how you check the block for tiny failures in bores/liners when the engine is the car and can't be tested by an automotive machinist.

    • @CubasAutomotive
      @CubasAutomotive 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@skylinefever I suppose I could've done that... but still would have to know where to look. I would've suspected head gasket over cracked head. Idk

    • @skylinefever
      @skylinefever 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@CubasAutomotive Once you take a cylinder head off, it is standard procedure to send it to the local automotive machinist for crack testing, followed by rebuilding.
      The machinists usually use Magnaflux on iron cylinder heads, and UV dye on aluminum heads, and those processes detect cracks that are nearly impossible to see while the heads are installed in the car.

  • @fire7765
    @fire7765 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Eric.

  • @articbaer116
    @articbaer116 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for another great vid keep them rolling!!!

  • @drfalcon4102
    @drfalcon4102 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think this is one of Erics shortest videos, no scan tool involved..

  • @yhird
    @yhird 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    It sounds like a known defect. Nothing cures a known defect like a class action lawsuit.

    • @mitchbertone3809
      @mitchbertone3809 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Make the lawyers rich, and the plaintiffs get a settlement check in mail for 87 cents and loss the ability to recover damages. Great idea,

    • @rubengarcia6920
      @rubengarcia6920 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      YH yes take their ass to court and make them pay for the fix

  • @NickMyers1
    @NickMyers1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My 2005 Yukon SLuT (tahoe sized) has the 5.3. 186. I noticed I was very very slowly losing coolant. Just read up on this today and how timely a video too. I know what test I’m doing this weekend. Thanks!

  • @cubedrama-1558
    @cubedrama-1558 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    *_💎⭐💎Awesome and very nice and waiting for more continued💎🚘💎_*

  • @aslamb6489
    @aslamb6489 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have 95 Buick Roadmaster with the LT .1 5.7 350 Corvette Engine in it it is still rock solid too I'll have any of the old school muscle car Engines no matter the make if they are rock solid that is just me I'm not a Spring Chicken anymore I LOOOOOOVE the old school Engines (THEY DO NOT COST AS MUCH TO MAINTAIN OR TO BUY PARTS FOR SO THERE YOU HAVE IT POINT BLANK) & plus you can make them produce as much Horsepower as any of them especially the BIG BLOCK Engines due to the size of the Ports on the Cylinder Heads they are just as big as any of the new Paper Weight Engines OH & I've done some pricing difference between the 2 Engines the new fangled & old school the new fangled are much more expensive to buy parts for

  • @billburkart9087
    @billburkart9087 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That's cool I've never seen a topside creeper. Good info Eric.

    • @DanielCoe
      @DanielCoe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A good video, but that topside creeper really blew my mind, too!

    • @embeddedusystems
      @embeddedusystems 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      same here...not a thing here in the UK!

  • @ferret3210
    @ferret3210 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can not believe I’ve never seen this in Arizona. Lots of heads and engines but 5.3 must love the heat out here

  • @michaelloth5870
    @michaelloth5870 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, I have a 2006 GMC Sierra, 5.3L. 250K miles. I thought it was just a bad head gasket, coolant in my oil, now I have more to check.

  • @thomastorres4125
    @thomastorres4125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Newer 5.3 have a tsb on p0300-308 for cylinder sleeve leaking

  • @eddiefromcali
    @eddiefromcali 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Castech 706 and equivalent are known for this. Part of the reason why I swapped to 243s

    • @lizard2006
      @lizard2006 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Just don't buy junk GM. If I had a dollar for every 3.6 timing job, or dod lift failure on vortec/ecotec I'd be rich

    • @eddiefromcali
      @eddiefromcali 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@lizard2006 meh, my gen3 LS has been perfect. 217k miles and doesn't burn oil, tick or anything.

    • @lizard2006
      @lizard2006 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lucky you they're junk mostly everyone i ever see.

    • @MarkPdot
      @MarkPdot 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's why I thought it odd that the original head was an 862 and the replacement was an 706. Hope it goes well for the customer.

    • @GhettoWagon
      @GhettoWagon 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Apparently not all castech 706 heads have the issue. I dunno though its GM. I have 706 heads and 150k. I think the oil pickup O ring on these is more of a failure. It was tapping hardcore untill I put a new pickup O ring. Overall the LS engine is plagued. Good for power but alot of flaws

  • @karllinden9246
    @karllinden9246 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good tip, as with most all fluid leaks look for the clean spot.

  • @fredbach6039
    @fredbach6039 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great work, great video. Would watch you changing this one.

    • @jdubya54
      @jdubya54 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Fred Bach looked like he had his best man on it. no fun

  • @patmurphy2472
    @patmurphy2472 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Used to see it quite often, and blocks cracking in the lifter valley.

  • @johnhummingbird4552
    @johnhummingbird4552 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Are you going to put a video up of you changing the head i hope so i love watching your videos i learned a lot from watching them 😀

  • @travisgustin4677
    @travisgustin4677 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for not being a hack and attempting to job weld and show the world the only fix is removal and replacement.

  • @snakeskinproductions7500
    @snakeskinproductions7500 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    And my friends gave me a hard time for not doing an LS swap in my truck and sticking with an old school small block (93 pick up). Who"s laughing now? LOL. Actually I have been aware of this issue with the LS motors for some time. Keep them coming brother. L@R to you and the crew at SMA...

  • @greatreset3
    @greatreset3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Any time water gets inside the engine I'd be expecting bearing damage to rear it's ugly head, sooner rather than later.

    • @joebrown9621
      @joebrown9621 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      No.. not necessarily.. if u catch it quick enough, even the design of the engine and the service life of the engine oil makes a big difference

    • @DL-qq4nu
      @DL-qq4nu 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      if a lot got inside.

    • @greatreset3
      @greatreset3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@joebrown9621 No way of knowing how long it's been leaking. Often from new!

    • @327JohnnySS
      @327JohnnySS 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Free milkshake

    • @Cheepchipsable
      @Cheepchipsable 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Looks like the engine is evaporating the coolant before it gets to the sump. So not enough to cause a problem yet.
      Maybe cold there might have been tell tale signs under the oil cap.

  • @bjbeardse
    @bjbeardse 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Why do I feel like I got jipped? I'm like FINALLY NOT A BRAKE JOB and..... lol

  • @AntonioClaudioMichael
    @AntonioClaudioMichael 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Eric O

  • @mikechiodetti6737
    @mikechiodetti6737 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm sending this out to former coworkers now. Thankyou for this info.

  • @MiamiZombie2012
    @MiamiZombie2012 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Perfect posting time, just punched out for lunch.

    • @hanskinslo326
      @hanskinslo326 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Anytime SMA posts is the perfect posting time!

  • @jonwm01
    @jonwm01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    A little jb weld and a few beers and it should be good for another 100k miles

    • @frontspring1
      @frontspring1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No it won't

    • @deansapp4635
      @deansapp4635 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I would JB weld that in a heart beat.

    • @frontspring1
      @frontspring1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@deansapp4635 i bet you would

    • @robertbell525
      @robertbell525 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agree, jb weld would not work. Even though low pressure because it's only seeping, that moisture getting under the repair will make it fail. I'd put a qtr to half bottle of stop leak if the system is clean. It will work.

  • @kevykev8347
    @kevykev8347 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sure "They admit there's a problem, they know there's a problem, yet they ain't gonna pay for it..." just like the front impact sensors on my 2003 S10. "Yeah there's an issue with those" Can I buy a replacement? Nah we don't make them anymore and an aftermarket option doesn't exist. Hey thanks Chevy... And thank you Eric, for being awesome...

  • @donaldcoalson4347
    @donaldcoalson4347 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you Eric!

  • @somerandomguy3868
    @somerandomguy3868 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That sucks! GM knows and put out a service bulletin but won't cover the repairs, I understand no vehicle manufacturer is perfect but that sucks

    • @Cheepchipsable
      @Cheepchipsable 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well the car is 12 years old. Not sure how many manufacturers would come to the party on that one.
      The bulletin is mainly for techs so they know where to look first when diagnosing problems.

  • @balkanyahsi6949
    @balkanyahsi6949 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    All the brands probably have made some miscounting somewhere! That's how things get improved!

    • @Cheepchipsable
      @Cheepchipsable 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      lol, but they don't. Look at the Ford Focus transmissions.
      With everything learned about internal combustion engines over the past century, they should be able to make a reliable engine that is easy and cheap to service, but they keep redesigning things to use less materials and this simply introduces new problems.

    • @balkanyahsi6949
      @balkanyahsi6949 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      come on, you know it is not entirely true! Yeah the less material use and blabla, there must be reasons for manufacturers to be doing what they're doing. There are known good and reliable engines of each brand out there in the market meanwhile they will keep renovating some stuff somewhere! That's what engineers do! I agree when they pull the quality down, it doesn't make sense, pisses me off but...

  • @pierreboulay5480
    @pierreboulay5480 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2010 with a 4.8 and no obvious signs of coolant loss and well that kinda explains my situation very well, even if I suspected the problem was in the head (living in denial I guess) Thanks!

  • @stansummers6259
    @stansummers6259 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome find and video thanks

  • @dufftime
    @dufftime 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "this happens on the GM's with the GM heads" LMAO

    • @karlschauff7989
      @karlschauff7989 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Funny thing is, I'm amazed how many Toyotas have head gasket leaks. Even back in the early 2000's, their 4.0L V6's and the 2AZ-FE were head gasket eating machines and yet popular opinion thinks Toyotas never have a problem.

    • @corbinjansen6510
      @corbinjansen6510 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@karlschauff7989 ive helped replace countless 4runner and tacoma headgaskets

  • @rustynail9793
    @rustynail9793 5 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    You mean to tell me jb weld wouldn't fix this.... I heard it fixes everything

    • @mikephelps8212
      @mikephelps8212 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Project farm approves

    • @drfalcon4102
      @drfalcon4102 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      just dump in some of that good old Barrs Leak,, it stops everything

    • @workingshlub8861
      @workingshlub8861 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@drfalcon4102 stops everything..especially coolant flow lol

    • @29auto30
      @29auto30 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I was thinking "Flex Seal"...LOL

    • @drfalcon4102
      @drfalcon4102 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Phil swift approves this comment

  • @douglasyoung3992
    @douglasyoung3992 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your awesome! I will strive to be a better mechanic because of you.

  • @pyralux01
    @pyralux01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My 78 chevy van went through 2 soft cams ....my 82 skyhawk went through 2 transmissions and my 95 blazer with the vortex engine left me stranded 4 times.
    My 97 Dakota served me well as does my current 2005.....
    Hey.....i was a slow learner but I'm improving....

  • @cgirl111
    @cgirl111 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It's beyond me why not a single car mechanic channel I can find uses a laser pointer for their vids.

    • @BigDog50001
      @BigDog50001 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      cgirl111 We don’t want all the cats in the neighborhood to go bananas....

  • @steveam29
    @steveam29 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Can I ask a dumb question? Why would one expect a free repair on a 13 year old truck. Just because the OEM knows it is an issue shouldn’t mean after 13 years they fix it for free.

  • @TheErnobo
    @TheErnobo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really enjoy your diagnostic videos but I would like to see more of the actual wrenching.

  • @RussellBooth1977
    @RussellBooth1977 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm pretty sure that the 5.3 litre (LM7) V8 engines were built in Mexico & my 5.7 litre LS1 V8 engines were built at the St Catharines engine plant in Ontario,Canada.
    I've had no problems with head cracking in mine & I've owned it for about 11 years & it has done over 346,000 kilometres.
    Mine's fitted into a 2002 model Holden Commodore & that engine was only a problem when Holden started fitting them in 1999,they had a bad batch of engines where the Teflon coating wore off the piston skirts therefore causing piston slap & excessive oil consumption.
    The engines were either rebuilt by Holden with 0.010" oversized pistons fitted or the engines were replaced, mine is unaffected by the problem as it was fixed up in 1999,mine doesn't consume oil.
    The only head cracking problem Holden had was when Holden imported the Nissan RB30 engine for the VL Commodore back in 1986.
    They had the inherent bonnet slope so the radiator sat lower than the front of the engine, if the cooling system wasn't properly bled,air pockets or bubbles would cause hot spots to develop in the cylinder head then cause it to crack.
    So at $2000 AUD for a new cylinder head they weren't cheap,note I've never had any trouble with my VL Commodore when I was driving it as I always bled the cooling system,the question I ask is why didn't Holden fit a header tank & a fully sealed radiator into that car as they did when they fitted the 3.8 litre Buick V6 (LN3) into the next model (the VN Commodore) ?
    That one was supposed to be fitted with the Nissan engine only that the foreign exchange rate made that engine too expensive so they resorted to fitting the U.S. made Buick V6 engine.
    Note that my Commodore which is fitted with the LS1 engine is fitted with the same sort of coolant header tank which incorporates a pressure cap so maybe Holden decided to fit that in the alloy engined cars.
    The ones fitted with the 3.6 litre V6 (Alloytec engine) have the pressure cap located on top of the engine & there's a special bleeding procedure for them, once the coolant is added to the engine, it must be warmed up to open the thermostat so that the engine can be fully topped up with coolant therefore fully bled of any air !

  • @stevie3275
    @stevie3275 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Every small block shivy I have ever had cracked a head eventually

    • @rogerf3622
      @rogerf3622 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      And for me too. The first one was back in 1974 with a GMC Pickup. One would think they would have fixed this by now.

  • @blackscotydog
    @blackscotydog 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Get that great GM feeling.....you just got porked.

  • @colin8653
    @colin8653 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that is very typical for big companies tell everyone that they put sub standard parts in the car and tell you to fix it at your expense

  • @1badpit100
    @1badpit100 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the channel.

  • @dogguy2012
    @dogguy2012 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Typical. they built the problem, they know there is a problem, admit there is a problem, but wont own the problem.