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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: BYRON, NY
Posts: 60
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Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
I have an 03. 5.3 liter in a GMC SIERRA that is using/losing coolant. No external leak, not mixing in oil. We have only had truck for about 8 months , unsure of mileage on motor. Where do I start to access if this motor is worth putting money into repairing or if a replacement engine is needed? Thanks
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Montana
Posts: 29
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
I think that was the years they had bad head castings. You wouldn’t notice it in the oil but that’s where it was going. Under the valve cover was a battery looking casting identifying the bad casting . Google it, there’s a bunch of info about it.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Willingboro, NJ
Posts: 489
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
Pull the spark plugs and look for one that's super clean. That's a good cylinder to start with.
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Retired USAF - No rockets, no mortars, no bad guys shooting...No stress!!! ![]() My Build Thread: Project 72' Green http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=587932 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,726
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
here's a couple of my older posts on the subject..
please not the gm tsb embedded in one of them.. both heads on my 02 were cracked, good luck! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...98&postcount=4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...4&postcount=13 ![]()
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I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Watson, Louisiana
Posts: 312
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
weep hole on the water pump? look on the bottom side of water pump for snail trail of coolant.
bad heads were the castech heads. battery logo by the springs.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
If you have the 706 casting head there is a good chance this is your problem if you cant see coolant anywhere else . I had one fail . Easy to check . Remove both valve covers and inspect . It will be very noticeable which side it is when it comes off .
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: BYRON, NY
Posts: 60
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
Thanks for all the responses, does anyone have an opinion on best way to evaluate motor to see if it is worth putting the parts and time into repairing? if it is a cracked head (great possibility) it looks like the parts needed:
heads gasket set head bolts intake bolts? oil pump? I've heard as LS motors wear, oil pressure becomes an issue fluids The Chassis is a really clean truck, unfortunately I do not know any specifics on how many miles are on the drivetrain. Might be better off finding a donor vehicle with less/known mileage that the chemicals our DPW dumps on our roadways here in Western NY tend to make not road worthy before the drivetrain is shot. |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Guntersville Alabama
Posts: 1,073
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Re: Where to start on coolant loss on a 03 LS MOTOR
Quote:
There is another head that is identical to the 706 . It is a 862 i believe . Just different foundry . These heads will be pretty cheep . Just have it checked at a machine shop . Also intake bolts are reused . On the other hand there is another forum member here that had your same problem . He put in a product that GM has in the coolant and has been quite successful for a couple years now . It was high millage as well and sealed the leak . For an engine you are going the pull out and discard this may be worth a try . |
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