The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 99-06 GMT800 Chevy and GMC Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-14-2016, 10:26 PM   #1
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
2003 head issue

I've waited a while before posting to make sure i wasn't jumping the gun, I've had the dreaded coolant leak into the oil for a few years now and my way of dealing with it was to frequently change the oil. months ago I put in the ac delco coolant seal tabs and to my surprise I didn't lose any coolant for months and let it go a while longer and still no coolant loss. So considering that I also had a bad engine tick i removed the valve covers and witnessed a terrible mass of gunk all over everything I cleaned it out and replaced the badly worn push rods and after putting it back together no ticks the oil pressure gauge is extremely responsive to the throttle and still no coolant loss. i might have saved my baby. I have the casteck 706 heads and 100% think I have the bad ones I was concerned about the tablets but I mixed them up in water before I put them in and It looked rather benign to me so i put 4 tabs in and my heat still works so It didn't screw up the heater core yet.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-2016, 09:57 PM   #2
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

12-30-16 I still don't have any coolant loss the truck is running quiet heat still works the oil pressure gauge is still very responsive to the throttle. those ac delco coolant tablets 100% stopped my coolant loss into the oil. I was adding coolant frequently and haven't added a drop since my last post I emailed gm about the casteck heads and they played dumb.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-2016, 10:38 PM   #3
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

I dont have the email from gm anymore wish I had it but they alluded to not knowing anything about the issue in an indirect way. very indirect so I couldn't get any sense from the email and there wasn't any direction to go further with it. so I dropped it.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2017, 12:10 AM   #4
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

update it is now 5-6-17 and i still haven't had a drop of coolant loss since I added the ac delco coolant tabs the tabs definitely stopped the coolant getting into the oil my last two oil changes no clumps. history on the issue is in my last posts on this thread
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2017, 01:09 AM   #5
rickpilgrim
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Wausau, WI
Posts: 591
Re: 2003 head issue

Very interesting as I also have the 706 castec heads on our 04 suburban and my coolant loss is very minor(gal every 4-6 months) and we change oil every 22-2500 mi to keep the "white paste" out of the valve covers. I'll have to try the ac/delco coolant tabs and see what happens.
rickpilgrim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2017, 08:11 PM   #6
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

update 9-3-17 Still haven't had any coolant loss and very happy with the condition of the oil when I change it.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2017, 08:24 PM   #7
68Gold/white
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,265
Re: 2003 head issue

I just bought a 2005 1/2 ton, 5.3. where is this "706" number located?
I doubt there are issues with mine, am checking it over thoroughly though...

Have a friend that has a 2002 Avalanche, had a cracked head...
68Gold/white is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2017, 09:16 PM   #8
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

if I remember right I seen stamp when I removed the valve covers, if your not loosing coolant then it's safe to say your ok. I was adding coolant weekly
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2017, 01:43 PM   #9
izzy_Britton
Registered User
 
izzy_Britton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 632
Re: 2003 head issue

The '706' and any other casting number is located on the front or rear of the head, on the top, NOT hidden and not under the valve cover.


__________________
WHO_DCTC - Wifes 05 Z-71 Build - Now defunct as she decided she wants an Escalade too
Cream Puff - LS'd Square - Slow going on the back burner
Tripple Threat - 3 Wrecks for the price of one build thread
Project Delongdium - Step-Sons Plastic Clad 2003 Avalanche - DONE and Delivered.
izzy_Britton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2017, 11:53 AM   #10
68Gold/white
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,265
Re: 2003 head issue

My 2005 has the 706 heads...I'll be praying I have no problems...
I helped my buddy pick this pickup out on the lot when it was new. It has been fairly well maintained. He commuted about 30 miles (one way) daily. He retired about 4 years ago. He and I have had conversations, me telling him I'd buy it whenever that day came. His health is not good and he is not allowed to drive any more. I am relieved and excited to finally own it! It has 105,000 miles on it.

I am a novice at LS engine stuff. Ask me about the old school stuff or a Pontiac, I'm in there...LOL

Are there different numbers heads that can be used to replace the 706's? or does one have to just look for good 706's?

I'll likely look for a set of good used heads from a salvage. for potential future use, even though I don't plan to use them!
68Gold/white is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2017, 09:06 AM   #11
homemade87
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
Re: 2003 head issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Gold/white View Post
My 2005 has the 706 heads...I'll be praying I have no problems...
I helped my buddy pick this pickup out on the lot when it was new. It has been fairly well maintained. He commuted about 30 miles (one way) daily. He retired about 4 years ago. He and I have had conversations, me telling him I'd buy it whenever that day came. His health is not good and he is not allowed to drive any more. I am relieved and excited to finally own it! It has 105,000 miles on it.

I am a novice at LS engine stuff. Ask me about the old school stuff or a Pontiac, I'm in there...LOL

Are there different numbers heads that can be used to replace the 706's? or does one have to just look for good 706's?

I'll likely look for a set of good used heads from a salvage. for potential future use, even though I don't plan to use them!
The identical head for the 706 is the 862 head . It was made at a different place and does not have the problems the 706 head does . My brother had the problem with the 706 and we put the 862 heads on with no problems .

If looking for a upgrade . Get some 799 or 243 heads . This is what most all 5.3 truck motors are coming with now . They flow better .
homemade87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2017, 04:34 PM   #12
68Gold/white
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,265
Re: 2003 head issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by homemade87 View Post
The identical head for the 706 is the 862 head . It was made at a different place and does not have the problems the 706 head does . My brother had the problem with the 706 and we put the 862 heads on with no problems .

If looking for a upgrade . Get some 799 or 243 heads . This is what most all 5.3 truck motors are coming with now . They flow better .
Many thanks!!!
If you found a set of 706 heads, relatively cheap, and the showed no signs of being cracked (no milkshake under the valve covers). Would you buy them, or avoid them like the plague???

My pickup is a short wide bed 2WD, has the 3.73 gears with the tow package. Has the 4 speed automatic. Has AC, PS, PB, AM/FM/CD radio. No electric windows, locks or seats.
It runs like a scalded dog!!! I'm not a novice as to what a well performing vehicle performs like. My buddy ran it down the track once, it went like a 15.80. That may not be a hot rod car number, but ain't bad for a pickup.
Thanks, Again!!!
68Gold/white is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2017, 08:41 PM   #13
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

I would say it's a risk do the heads eventually crack? I also read somewhere they suffer from being porous.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2017, 07:25 AM   #14
homemade87
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
Re: 2003 head issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Gold/white View Post
Many thanks!!!
If you found a set of 706 heads, relatively cheap, and the showed no signs of being cracked (no milkshake under the valve covers). Would you buy them, or avoid them like the plague???

My pickup is a short wide bed 2WD, has the 3.73 gears with the tow package. Has the 4 speed automatic. Has AC, PS, PB, AM/FM/CD radio. No electric windows, locks or seats.
It runs like a scalded dog!!! I'm not a novice as to what a well performing vehicle performs like. My buddy ran it down the track once, it went like a 15.80. That may not be a hot rod car number, but ain't bad for a pickup.
Thanks, Again!!!
I don't know what percentage of them fail , but not all of them fail . If you do get another set be sure to have them pressure tested . Just looking at them can not detect a small crack or leak . If it were me I would look for the 862 first . If you can not find them have the 706 checked out before you set them in the corner of the shop for 2 years and when its time to use them you find out there are no good .
homemade87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2017, 09:33 AM   #15
68Gold/white
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,265
Re: 2003 head issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by homemade87 View Post
I don't know what percentage of them fail , but not all of them fail . If you do get another set be sure to have them pressure tested . Just looking at them can not detect a small crack or leak . If it were me I would look for the 862 first . If you can not find them have the 706 checked out before you set them in the corner of the shop for 2 years and when its time to use them you find out there are no good .
Thanks again!
I talked to my buddies son, he's 27 and a certified GM mechanic, He opened his own shop 2 years ago, got tired of the dealership deal.
He told me I can test the heads on my pickup now by removing the rocker arms and pressuring up the cooling system to 15-20 lbs for 1-2 hours. He said it's not a crack that I'm necessarily looking, for it's porousness in the metal. Specifically usually around the head bolt bosses usually in the center of the head. He told me I would EASILY see coolant coming through the metal IF there's a problem with a head.
He replaced a lot of heads at the dealer, when he worked there. He has installed 243's, replacing 706's a couple of times...

I bought the 2 heads, they were cheap. Will find a shop that can pressure check them soon!!!
68Gold/white is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2018, 08:19 PM   #16
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

2-19-2018 I still haven't lost any coolant after putting the tabs in. Oil change is clean. I haven't had to add any coolant.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-20-2018, 07:11 AM   #17
homemade87
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
Re: 2003 head issue

Thats good . Most likely that tablet material will fill the crack . The crack is more like a hair line crack so what ever it is made of has filled it up .


Just keep a eye on it so it dont start back . I would run it like that until the engine has to be replaced or come apart .
homemade87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2018, 06:25 PM   #18
cori 64
Registered User
 
cori 64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: yucaipa
Posts: 50
Re: 2003 head issue

I also have the 706 castec heads and i was losing alot of coolant every week..most of the reservoir! A year later i've added one more tablet and no loss of coolant ...she still runs strong! 320,000 miles!
Attached Images
 
cori 64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 10:40 PM   #19
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

I like to think of the issue as not a crack. I like to think of it as being porous it makes me feel better.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 10:46 PM   #20
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

Just throwing this out there. If I ever trade the truck in to a dealer should I disclose the issue? If I was to sell it in a private sale I would definitely disclose.
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-10-2018, 08:04 AM   #21
homemade87
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
Re: 2003 head issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by pamoffa View Post
Just throwing this out there. If I ever trade the truck in to a dealer should I disclose the issue? If I was to sell it in a private sale I would definitely disclose.
At 320,000 I dont think it would make that much difference . Anyone buying the truck at that point is going in thinking it needs a motor soon anyway . Besides , seems to be still holding strong . I would never buy a truck with that mileage and think I am getting and engine thats going to last another 100,000 . I would buy it an just roll the dice and drive it until it quit and then get me a pull out motor .

Truck is not going to bring much . Probably worth more to you to park it in the back of the shop and use it for your beater stuff when you get a new truck .
homemade87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2018, 05:02 PM   #22
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

Mines only got 88k it should get something on trade in. I most likely will disclose the issue.
Attached Images
 
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2018, 09:03 PM   #23
pamoffa
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 126
Re: 2003 head issue

8-14-18 I still haven't lost a drop of coolant since putting in the ac delco coolant seal tabs
pamoffa is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com