scdraven

Hello all,

My 05 C6 has been leaking coolant for a month or so. I assumed it was the water pump since I saw puddles of coolant under the passenger side and there are no leaking hoses, so I replaced that and if anything the leak got worse.

I took it to a mechanic this morning due to being tired of messing with it and after an hour of visual inspection I couldn't see where the water was coming from, especially since the pulley's are slinging it everywhere. The mechanic sent me a video which I'll attach, it shows the upper drive side plastic part of the radiator leaking, which I guess is common with these? I'm stumped at how that is causing a leak to pool up on the passenger side, but it obviously is leaking a bit.

Also I have a really bad wobbling harmonic balancer, I was told to replace this at the same time. The shop is quoting me $2000 for both, I'm *really* tempted to just get it over with so I don't have to deal with it, but don't want to get screwed if that's over-priced.The harmonic balancer is squeaking and annoying as heck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I considered doing both myself but after spending all that time swapping the water pump and having it still screwed up I just don't have the patience. Also considered trying to JB-Weld it and just forget about it, but I've heard mixed reviews on that.

Thanks in advance.

CMY SIX

yes that's way over priced!

pewter99

the balancer is a bit of work.....its all labor
the radiator isn't too $$

...the coolant may be running down the hose back toward the motor then dripping down which is why the leak shows where it does

I can't see how this could be more than 4-6hrs so $2000 seems high

scdraven

That's how I felt too, since the balancer itself at the dealer isn't more than $1000.. Seems *at least* 500$ over.

CMY SIX

$300 for a powerbond SFI unit, and I was charged 290 for install with gasket and seal, $550 for a DeWitt's rad and what? 1-1 1/2 hours install? even high shop rate 1200 with parts, 2000 they are bending you over with out Vaseline

scdraven

Thank you guys. Next step is to find a trustable mechanic that I can drive to with a leaking radiator. It's only maxing about 225* as long as I keep refilling it.

scdraven

CMY, do you have a part number for the SFI unit? I think I'll buy that and a decent radiator and make some calls for labor quotes tomorrow. Sucks that it's going to be the holidays as this is my daily driver.

irok

nothing at all in your profile.depending on area you are in price at a GM dealership is not that far out of line.$125. per hour shop rate.approx. 6 hours for balancer and 3 hours for rad plus parts and tax.

scdraven

Oops! I'll update that now. I'm in Visalia, California. Regardless of who I choose I wonder if I should order parts separate.

Chiselchst

Have you EVER considered modifying your car, say with a blower, cam, etc.? Because now would be the time to do that work.

I found Rock Auto has about the best pricing on the Power Bond Harmonic Balancers. Pick out the balancer you want here, then shop for best price, and a good shop.

Good luck.

scdraven

I did consider throwing a cam in, but being in California limits the options and for the extra $$ I decided to pass.

Good news is I got the car back today, new Napa radiator and a Powerbond balancer, no wobble and saved me atleast $900. Was about $1100 out the door.

Thank you guys, much appreciated.

AORoads

Did you go to the original mechanic who was going to charge you $2K? Or someone else?

scdraven

Nah, I did some research the next day and found a good 5 star shop for half the price. Glad I didn't agree to the first quote out of frustration lol

AORoads

Glad to hear it.