I am having [coolant](/topics-coolant-gmc/) loss problems...

Hello, my name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I'm sorry your having problems with this vehicle so I'll try to help you with this issue.The website may prompt if you want a call, but that would be up to you. SO are you still asking about the Sonoma pick-up?

I was speaking to someone earlier who recommended a combustion leak detector. I tried that out, and it was negative. I then put a pressure kit on it and found no leaks. I turned the motor over to see if anything would bubble (still thinking it was a head gasket issue) and saw nothing, even after the thermostat opened. I checked when I got home from work, and there was no coolant loss. However, I lost a gallon yesterday and did nothing to repair except add more coolant.

So it is possible the heater core is leaking and you may not see it unless you look or park it so the drain for the ac is where you can see it , also if this is the v-6 [engine](/topics-engine-gmc/) they have an issue with the intake leaking and you will not see it , but it will go out the tail pipe and when it gets bad it will look like a head gasket. And will pass the head gasket test.

It is indeed the 4.3. I hear I grabbed a "good one" with the dec-cool fiasco as well.

yup the coolant in them when it turns into a red clay muck it is hard to get rid of.

It was very bad in mine. When I bought it, it had fresh coolant, so I thought nothing of it. When it started acting up, I checked coolant and it was mud. I have replaced the radiator, both radiator hoses, thermostat x5, thermostat housing, in and out hoses for heater core, and [water pump](/topics-water-pump-gmc/). How would I check intake without breaking everything down?

check for lots of steam in the mornings and when it's cool out side. there should be a little but if it seems like a thick white smoke with a sweet smell then that is a sign.

Every morning lately has been a lot of smoke. I did not think much of it with it being cold out, but there is a significant amount there.It stops after about a quarter mile of driving.

you would need to smell it to see if it has a swet smell, as coolant does have a sweet smell when going through the engine. Also try doing the head test with a cold engine and a warm engine.

Sounds good. I'll give it a try in the morning. Any more ideas?

check the ac drain for coolant .

Got it. Thanks again.

your welcome.

After cranking this morning, there was 0 smoke coming from the [exhaust](/topics-exhaust-gmc/) pipe (50 degree weather). I checked the radiator and had to top it off with about a cup of coolant, but I suspect this could be from all of the work done yesterday and it not being filled properly on my end.

ok so from this point keep an eye on it and see how it does a little loss is normal.

No problem. Would it be wise to take it to a shop just to double check? I do my own work, but I would like to see if someone else can diagnose in person (if there is a problem)

If it continues to go down every day I would get a shop to look at it, just to see.

Got it. Thanks. I will update

ok