Community Forums

tmw188 · 01-10-2019, 10:20 AM

Any one noticed having any coolant usage in their 8.1’s? I’ve sent an oil sample off last yr and specifically ask to look for coolant and none was found. Occasionally smell a little at start up can’t find any leaks looked all over very closely. It has been like this since I’ve owned at 21,000 miles now 31,000. I know some of these 8.1 like to consume oil too.

Twomed · 01-10-2019, 10:26 AM

Number one overlooked culprit...radiator cap. Cheap fix, at least worth a try. Buy a good one, Stant or similar.

Mr_D · 01-10-2019, 10:29 AM

You probably have a leak that is just enough to smell but is evaporating before it drips. You need to look for the telltale markings that the fluid leaves.

tmw188 · 01-10-2019, 10:32 AM

New Radiator cap all the radiator hose clamps snugged can’t find any signs of leakage But if I get a little smell it has to be leaking somewhere

Arch Hoagland · 01-10-2019, 11:19 AM

The 8.1 when it first came out had a problem with the freeze plugs ( on the bottom of the engine) leaking.

I bought a 2003 GMC 3/4 ton truck that had that problem and the dealer corrected it under warranty. I could smell it occasionally until they fixed it.

tmw188 · 01-10-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

The 8.1 when it first came out had a problem with the freeze plugs ( on the bottom of the engine) leaking.

I bought a 2003 GMC 3/4 ton truck that had that problem and the dealer corrected it under warranty. I could smell it occasionally until they fixed it.

I’ll certainly check that out

tmw188 · 01-10-2019, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw188

I’ll certainly check that out

Thinking back I believe I already looked at the freeze plugs on both sides but I’ll have to look at them again.

Switchflicke · 01-10-2019, 06:35 PM

My GMC mechanic son says that Dexcool seems to disappear without a trace. To the point where they will top up a customer's tank and not say anything, because all it does is get people worried about non existent leaks.
Stan

tmw188 · 01-10-2019, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchflicke

My GMC mechanic son says that Dexcool seems to disappear without a trace. To the point where they will top up a customer's tank and not say anything, because all it does is get people worried about non existent leaks.
Stan

Are you saying it disappears for no reason or as you say without a trace to where there is no evidence that it had leaked? Asking because you said worried about non existent leaks. Please clarify.

Switchflicke · 01-11-2019, 07:55 AM

The Dexcool disappears for no reason.
They certainly have the technology to detect leaks and when they do check a vehicle that is a bit low in coolant, the detector equipment comes up with - no leaks found.
Stan

tmw188 · 01-11-2019, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchflicke

The Dexcool disappears for no reason.
They certainly have the technology to detect leaks and when they do check a vehicle that is a bit low in coolant, the detector equipment comes up with - no leaks found.
Stan

That is very interesting. I did a flush and fill last yr. and installed DexCool again. Maybe a more modern coolant would have been better? Has anyone replaced their DexCool with a newer version?

Arch Hoagland · 01-11-2019, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw188

That is very interesting. I did a flush and fill last yr. and installed DexCool again. Maybe a more modern coolant would have been better? Has anyone replaced their DexCool with a newer version?

My Workhorse dealer replaced my Dexcool with a green coolant several years ago, don't know which brand. He is not a fan of Dexcool.

tmw188 · 01-11-2019, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

My Workhorse dealer replaced my Dexcool with a green coolant several years ago, don't know which brand. He is not a fan of Dexcool.

Did he say why? The old green coolant from the 90’s and earlier. That has less modern corrosion inhibitors. I do know you should not mix the old green stuff with Orange DexCool.
Google antifreeze colors and mixing.