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Hidden c5 coolant leak

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Old May 11, 2025 | 05:02 PM
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Default Hidden c5 coolant leak

I’ve been searching high and low for this coolant leak I have on my 2001 c5 corvette it’s coming from the drivers side right behind the wheel and leaking down the middle of the block there doesn’t seem to be any way that coolant could get there in my mind I’ve changed the head gasket 4 times now and I’m just starting to give up anyone out there that’s had the same problem?

It’s a 2001 c5 corvette with a 5.7 ls1 with a btr stage 3 cam
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Old May 11, 2025 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Logan reedy
I’ve been searching high and low for this coolant leak
I’ve changed the head gasket 4 times
I'd try changing the head gasket a few more times.
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Old May 11, 2025 | 07:01 PM
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Try checking the block plug on that side. Should be a giant Allen head (17mm I believe). Seems rare that that would be the case. Is it running down the front middle or rear of the engine?
When you did the heads, did you make sure that all debris was clear of the threads and torqued the heads to spec?
You can also use a mirror and look for the leak while running they sell little inspection mirrors that’ll make a world of difference with this big engine in a bit of a cramped engine bay. GL you got this
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Old May 11, 2025 | 08:07 PM
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Steam vent pipe or plug o ring?
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Old May 11, 2025 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Uncontrolled
Try checking the block plug on that side. Should be a giant Allen head (17mm I believe). Seems rare that that would be the case. Is it running down the front middle or rear of the engine?
When you did the heads, did you make sure that all debris was clear of the threads and torqued the heads to spec?
You can also use a mirror and look for the leak while running they sell little inspection mirrors that’ll make a world of difference with this big engine in a bit of a cramped engine bay. GL you got this





it’s running down more tward the rear of the block and yes I scraped the surface and cleaned the bolts also put lock tight on all the head bolts they are torqued to spec as well ////////// if the heads weren’t torqued right wouldent it have coolant in the oil ? Or leaking oil as well it doesn’t appear to have either of those problems or would it still only leak coolant ???
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Old May 12, 2025 | 10:35 PM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old May 12, 2025 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Logan reedy
it’s running down more tward the rear of the block and yes I scraped the surface and cleaned the bolts also put lock tight on all the head bolts they are torqued to spec as well ////////// if the heads weren’t torqued right wouldent it have coolant in the oil ? Or leaking oil as well it doesn’t appear to have either of those problems or would it still only leak coolant ???
okay I would pull the intake to inspect the steam pipes as mentioned above. There is one in the front and one in the back it is possible that it’s leaking there. Did you remove the heads multiple times to correct this or unrelated? Start with the intake removal, check vent pipes for damaged o rings/ gaskets.
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Old May 13, 2025 | 06:28 PM
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Try using a good endoscope/borescope or inspection mirror with a strong light before you remove anything.
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Old May 13, 2025 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Logan reedy
it’s running down more tward the rear of the block and yes I scraped the surface and cleaned the bolts also put lock tight on all the head bolts they are torqued to spec as well ..
What type of head bolts require thread locker?
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Old May 13, 2025 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Logan reedy
it’s running down more tward the rear of the block and yes I scraped the surface and cleaned the bolts also put lock tight on all the head bolts they are torqued to spec as well ////////// if the heads weren’t torqued right wouldent it have coolant in the oil ? Or leaking oil as well it doesn’t appear to have either of those problems or would it still only leak coolant ???
Cleaned the bolts? Did you reuse the the stock TTY bolts?
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Old May 14, 2025 | 10:06 AM
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Water temp sensor?
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Old May 15, 2025 | 02:22 AM
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Originally Posted by don37
Water temp sensor?
That’s towards the front driver side behind the alternator.
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