QuestionQUESTION: I had an earlier posting at:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cadillac-774/99-DeVille-Coolant-Leak.htm?zIr=5
Our leak has now gotten to the point where we are having to add coolant a couple times a week, depending on driving amount. The local dealer, after a number of mis-diagnoses, replacement pump. etc...and after a number of years playing with it, did add a stop leak pellet my last time in, but it has not made much difference. Their slightly earlier call was $3500-$4000 for replacing the gaskets. I understand from looking on the internet that leaking coolant is a known problem with the 1999 Deville, although our local dealer has never admitted it to us.
The vehicle has 150,000 miles on it, rides smooth otherwise, and has no other problems that we know of. Are we likely to be able to beat this price or is it what we'd expect at any authorized service center.
And is this work likely to stop the problem? $3,000 plus could be worth it for another year or more use out of the car, but only if it solves the problem.
Buying a replacement used vehicle is something I'd like to avoid for a while but if we do, is this problem fixed in later models? We like the ride and trunk space in the Deville, but don't want to buy another time-bomb.
ANSWER: Do NOT add any more pellets or sealants as you will soon develop a plugged up heater core. I have YET to see a Cadillac that did not have either an oil or coolant leak. Everytime you fix one leak you seem to create another.
Where is the leak coming from ?.
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QUESTION: For several years there would be a tablespoon size amount of antifreeze under the car. At that point it took quite a while (months) for any "Low coolant" signal to come on. Now, I don't see a continual sign of fluid underneath, however I've set an old newspaper there so perhaps it's being absorbed.
The dealer claims it's the gaskets. Would that mean they think the coolant is now mixing in with the oil or gasoline, or what? The car doesn't ride particularly rough, although my wife does claim she can tell a difference if we do have to use a few occasional gallons which are not premium.
Thanks again for any advice you may have.
Answerthere are numerous gaskets that leak anti-freeze and there is no way to tell if the fluid is mixing with other fluids unless you have a cooling system pressure test to be able to physically see where the leak is.
The engine will run a little rougher on regular than on premium fuel which is normal.
