Desperately Need Help! Extreme coolant leak!

[Arkansas_V8]

Possible the dip stick end broke off, tube isnt seated into the block fully, changed out with some aftermarket piece that isn't the right length, or just plain low on oil, OP says checking with motor running, you only check a trans with it running. Engine oil only gets checked when warm and off. Can't over look the small details

You are correct. I just went to what made the most sense. Figured he would have noticed a broken dipstick, or unseated tube. Forgot he was a complete rookie.

You hit all the details I missed. Thank you.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

You are correct. I just went to what made the most sense. Figured he would have noticed a broken dipstick, or unseated tube. Forgot he was a complete rookie.

You hit all the details I missed. Thank you.

No problem! I only think of them because I've ran into them haha, good luck on tracking down all the bugs and kinks of an older truck. It can be alot of fun but take alot of time and patience. Hope you stick around. Everyone here has tons of knowledge!

 

[Arkansas_V8]

No problem! I only think of them because I've ran into them haha, good luck on tracking down all the bugs and kinks of an older truck. It can be alot of fun but take alot of time and patience. Hope you stick around. Everyone here has tons of knowledge!

Hopefully your talking to @emtrichel. We are here to help.

I just passed 1,000 posts in a tad over a month. I absolutely have plans to stick around. Hope to contribute as much as I learn.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

Hopefully your talking to @emtrichel. We are here to help.

I just passed 1,000 posts in a tad over a month. I absolutely have plans to stick around. Hope to contribute as much as I learn.

Yep, definately aimed at emtrichel. Just didn't catch his name. I think we all know your sticking around for the long haul Arkansas. Which is great, active and willing to help members is what keeps new members coming in.

 

[Big Chip]

Told you. LOL

I’m glad I was wrong about this.

 

[Arkansas_V8]

I’m glad I was wrong about this.

You weren't completely wrong. I was pretty darn optimistic I was gonna get an end to this one.

See far too many that have your answer should that last post be made, or the ones that catch your attention and just end.

Glad we got our ending.

 

[emtrichel]

Alright, got a new issue. After putting everything back together and tight I went for a drive. No squealing, no noise, no leaks. Biggest thing I noticed is that every now and then, the power steering will go out. Is this a belt issue, or the pump itself?

 

[Rusty Nail]

Is this a belt issue, or the pump itself?

Yes.



Lol...

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[73c20jim]

Yes.



Lol...

You must be registered for see images attach

Dude, you're on a roll.

 

[Nonstop]

For the power steering - check the fluid level first. Make sure it is full and the fluid does not have any junk in it.

If full, check belt tension. If tight, then take it off and spin the power steering pump pulley by hand. Feel if there is any grinding or tight spots. If it does not spin smoothly, then it is bad.

PLEASE check your oil WHEN COLD before going any further. Add if needed. You are new to this and we do not want to see you damage the engine.

Just curious, where was the dipstick? GM changed dipstick locations in the early 80’s which could mean your engine is a replacement.

Not trying to sound like an ******* in any way, we want to see you succeed and help out!

 

[DoubleDingo]

I'm back! Forgive my absence, been on the road!

So, water pump is installed, coolant leak is completely gone (couple drips under the truck, assuming from residual coolant on the frame). Yes, I did check the wrong dipstick! Rookie move, I know. But the oil dipstick was also not where it was located in another picture on this thread - it took some finding. Found it, checked it cold and it appeared empty. Running, it looked plenty full.

Also, while running there was smoke coming from the left side of the motor as you look at it (alternator side) and a pretty odd clanking coming from the P/S pump (I'm thinking I need to tighten the belts some.)

Next step, bleed air from coolant system and tighten belts and she should be good to go unless someone on here has anything they want to add (I seriously welcome it, you all have been outstanding, thank you!)

You must be registered for see images attach

If you check the oil when the engine is cold and it looks empty, or as others have said, the wrong dipstick, but most likely it's because it's near empty if not empty. Change the oil and the filter if you haven't seized the engine by now. Should take 5 quarts. This summer heat is brutal on engines, take care of the oil situation now.

 

[DoubleDingo]

When I bought Crusty Biscuit the PO seemed to take good care of the truck. I disagreed with the 100% antifreeze because water rusts the cooling system, so I flushed it as soon as I got home. Oil level was good, oil was clean, so we took it on a camping trip. After getting home I decided to change the oil. 10 quart pan was nearly full, that dude ran 8 quarts in the engine! I got the correct tube and dipstick, and 5 quarts from there on out, 60 psi on the gauge, no burning or using of oil. Fix what you can, change you can, and do it soon after purchasing the vehicle.

 

[gotyourgoat]

If you check the oil when the engine is cold and it looks empty, or as others have said, the wrong dipstick, but most likely it's because it's near empty if not empty. Change the oil and the filter if you haven't seized the engine by now. Should take 5 quarts. This summer heat is brutal on engines, take care of the oil situation now.

This^^
Change that oil now before you run it anymore.

 

[emtrichel]

For the power steering - check the fluid level first. Make sure it is full and the fluid does not have any junk in it.

If full, check belt tension. If tight, then take it off and spin the power steering pump pulley by hand. Feel if there is any grinding or tight spots. If it does not spin smoothly, then it is bad.

PLEASE check your oil WHEN COLD before going any further. Add if needed. You are new to this and we do not want to see you damage the engine.

Just curious, where was the dipstick? GM changed dipstick locations in the early 80’s which could mean your engine is a replacement.

Not trying to sound like an ******* in any way, we want to see you succeed and help out!

I appreciate the guidance! I’ll do all of that. I did check engine oil cold again today. It hit “Add 1 qt” mark so I’ll do that. The dipstick was on the right side next to the second cylinder from the front (I believe it would be number 4 cylinder).

Back to the P/S pump. The sound is gone now that the belts are tightened - however the power steering still occasionally goes out and there’s a squeal when the wheel locks left or right.

 

[emtrichel]

This^^
Change that oil now before you run it anymore.

Oil change is for sure going to happen!

When I bought Crusty Biscuit the PO seemed to take good care of the truck. I disagreed with the 100% antifreeze because water rusts the cooling system, so I flushed it as soon as I got home. Oil level was good, oil was clean, so we took it on a camping trip. After getting home I decided to change the oil. 10 quart pan was nearly full, that dude ran 8 quarts in the engine! I got the correct tube and dipstick, and 5 quarts from there on out, 60 psi on the gauge, no burning or using of oil. Fix what you can, change you can, and do it soon after purchasing the vehicle.

So it should only take 5 qts?