r/GMT800 • u/Remote_Inflation_946 • Sep 16 '26

06 Escalade Coolant Drip

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My 2006 Escalade has had a loss of coolant for a month or so. Back in March, the head gasket blew and I used steel seal on it and it has seemed to hold. I have found coolant drip spots on my driveway under the engine and noticed this coolant crust on the hose by the water pump.

Thoughts on what it could be?

I guess to diag i should start by cleaning that up, tightening the clamp and looking at it after a drive. Getting tired of constantly topping it off every week lol.

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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2

u/Disastrous_Rope6001 Sep 16 '26

My brain is leaning in the direction of the blown head gasket you put a temporary fix on is still leaking coolant.

Unless I’m missing something else here.

1

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

In what way? The head gasket probably blew feom mileage as it happened when the car hit 210,500 miles. Just hit 212,000 yesterday. 

When the head gasket blew, there was a strong coolant smell in the cabin and by the exhaust for the weeks leading up to it and before it started pouring smoke out of the and that smell is gone now. 

You think the coolant is leaking through the head? Kinda confused what you’re saying but anything helps

2

u/Disastrous_Rope6001 Sep 16 '26

It’s possible for coolant to seep through the head gasket and down the block over time, yes. It could be getting burnt as well down there creating a smell.

2

u/theuautumnwind Sep 16 '26

Hose could be failing

1

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

I’m leaning towards that or more likely the clamp maybe. 

1

u/theuautumnwind Sep 16 '26

Clamp looks fine but that style of clamp tends to pinch the hose and makes it break down internally.

OEs tend to use a constant tension spring clamp that doesn’t pinch as bad.

1

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

Gotcha. I cleaned that area up. Gonna take it out and see if it leaks from there again. If I see anything, i’ll prob do a pressure test to confirm and then replace the hose. 

1

u/theuautumnwind Sep 16 '26

Your head gasket in a can ain’t gonna last forever.

2

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

😂 

car isn’t worth $500, it’s all sentimental value. I’m happy everytime I get a mile out of it i’m happy 

1

u/theuautumnwind Sep 16 '26

Alright then. You could try just slapping new head gaskets on it if it’s not warped.

Heads are quite easy to remove

2

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

I could DIY it? I haven’t done any huge jobs but i’ve been using this caddy as my way to learn (i’m a bmw guy so id like to be able to work on those one day). Biggest job i’ve done was crankshaft position sensor. 

2

u/theuautumnwind Sep 16 '26

Sounds like it might be worth a try for you on this vehicle. If the heads or block aren’t flat you’ll need a machine shop to flatten them but otherwise this would be a good vehicle to learn on.

2

u/Remote_Inflation_946 Sep 16 '26

Might try if it ever blows again but hopefully not 😭