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Suburban overheating and leaking transmission fluid


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ndame09
New User

Jul 16, 2009, 1:38 PM

Post #1 of 2 (3037 views)
Suburban overheating and leaking transmission fluid Sign In

I have a suburban that all of a sudden overheated after driving a couple miles. I pulled over and noticed a red/brownish fluid dripping quickly from under the engine around where the oil pan is. The engine oil is fine, but the radiator was half empty with the same red/brownish fluid in it. When I filled the radiator with water it started dripping even faster from under the car.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong or how expensive it could be to fix? It is a '99 Suburban. Thanks!


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jul 16, 2009, 1:54 PM

Post #2 of 2 (3032 views)
Re: Suburban overheating and leaking transmission fluid Sign In

Check the engine coolant to see if it has been contaminated with transmission fluid. The transmission fluid is run through the radiator to help cool it. It is rare, but the trans cooler (inside the radiator) can breach and leak fluid into the radiator. The red/brownish color could also be rust or Dex-cool anti-freeze. The cooling system can be pressurized to find the origin of the leak. From your description, could be the water pump leaking. If it turns out to be the cooling system leaking (i.e. water pump/hose) be sure to have the entire system flushed and new coolant installed. I would recommend switching over to good, old fashioned, green anti-freeze rather than Dex-Cool. JMO.
Loren
SW Washington






 
 
 






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