97 Suburban 5.7 Vortec head gasket problem

minnesota · November 1, 2001

5.7 Vortec has recently taken to slight seeping of coolant on driver side head (along low side) right after start-up and only intermittently. Seems to disappear when warmed up. Engine has 60K on it and performs fine. Any ideas on what to do? Sure don't want to get into gasket replacement, yet I don't like ANY indication that coolant is seeping from a head. So far, I don't see evidence that it is getting into the oil, but sure do wonder if this is only a matter of time and/or miles!

Shaners · November 1, 2001

One of our members (tfpary) has had the same problem... here is a link to his first thread.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/cgi-bin....3;t=526

He also has a couple of other threads on pages 4 thru 6 in light-duty. You might want to PM him for some more info...

CMNTMXR81 · November 1, 2001

Usually it happens on the passenger side.

The reason why it stops after warming up is due to heat expansion by either or both the gasket and head and block surfaces. The actual break in the gasket may be relatively small and as such the heat expansion blocks it.

However, I would keep an eye on your oil. If the oil starts to look like a chocolate milkshake, you know the coolant is getting into the oil.

minnesota · November 2, 2001

thanks for quick responses. After reading thru tpfary threads, seems like overtorquing at factory may be culprit (I tried to 'snug' bolts, but good amount of muscle didn't budge 'em). As long as oil stays clean, and no serious amounts leak out, guess I'll just keep runnin' and not get too worried

Shaners · November 2, 2001

Since this seems to be a somewhat common problem I wonder if there isn't a factory "fix" for it. It wouldn't hurt to contact a dealer and see if they can't find a TSB or something. Maybe they'll take care of it for you...

CMNTMXR81 · November 2, 2001

I know there was a TSB or a recall (can't remember) on LT1 engines in F-body's for an identical problem...head gasket.

If you go to www.generalmotors.com and then take a link to one of the sites that lists TSB/Recalls, you may find it when you put your VIN# in. The link is something with "caled" or similar in it.

minnesota · November 4, 2001

Good tips - I'll try talking to a dealer this week...tried to find web site to get TSB by VIN --- only found a site to input VIN to get latest engine controller calibration -- http://calid.gm.com/vci/