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1995 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

 

Question: Coolant Circulation

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GRB, 5.7L V8, Warrenton, VA, March 13, 2009, 03:56
 Rookie

After running the truck for a distance of up to 15-20 miles and then turning the ignition off, coolant leaks from some location on/around the radiator, possibly the heater hoses. Coolant apparentely is not circulating through the engine since when checking the upper hose, it is found to be very hot, the lower hose is warm, and when squeezing either hose, there is not movement of air or fluid into the overflow/fill tank. There is warm air that comes out of the heater when engaged but it is not hot.

Three guesses are - 1) thermostat though the truck has not overheated and internal gage reading is "normal"; 2) water pump though not leads or squealling sounds coming from pump: or 3) a clogged radiator.

Your thoughts?

Thank you.

GRB

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  • Answer #1

    Russ March 13, 2009, 09:14
     Master

    It is normal for the upper hose to be warmer than the lower hose. Hot water flows out of the engine through the upper hose, through the radiator where it is cooled and back through the lower hose to the engine. I also would not expect flow into the overflow tank when squeezing the hoses. To check for a clogged radiator do the following. Make sure the coolant level is full, run the engine until warm and then turn it off. Touch the radiator in different locations from top to bottom, if any cold spots are noted then you may have a clogged radiator. With no signs of overheating I would not suspect a t/stat problem. My suggestion would be to find and repair the coolant leak and recheck the cooling system and heater operation after refilling with coolant.

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