Almost Misdiagnosed! (Multiple Engine Oil Leak) Chevy Express 2500 6.0

[@ruckinehround6965]

Can’t believe how long it’s been since I first subscribed…….. it’s amazing what you and Lauren have accomplished. Great to see hard honest work pay off. Cheers

[@mabronstevenson5256]

My uncle showed me a neat trick he bought 2 really long bolts with the same threads as the transmission bolts so he could just slide the transmission back to change the seal.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

It also helps to keep the converter on the transmission during removal and installation.

[@jamram9924]

My father made those at his shop in a huge copper mine in AZ. The head were removed, tapered and a nice slot to insert a flat head screwdriver to remove them once a few transmission bolts were loosely installed

[@Breezer56]

When the vehicles are manufactured, the chassis is dipped in an electrocoat bath. This bath looks alot like water and the operator can adjust the current in the bath and this makes it so they can adjust exactly how much primer will be applied and since it is electrified, the primer will be distributed exactly even over the entire chassis which is nice. The problem comes when this electrocoat goes into the over directly after the electrocoat process and is supposed to be partially cured so the topcoat sticks to the primer. In this case, what happed was that the ecoat was overcured and thus there was a intercoat adhesion issue because the ecoat was overcured and not allowing the topcoat paint to stick to the primer. This has been an issue for many years. It started back in the 70's when ecoat was introduced. There you have it. It's not the water based paint at all! Also, for those that aren't aware, all paint used in the manufacturing process is a thermoset paint whereas it has to go thru an oven to cure. So it is not an air dry paint.

[@inspectorjavert5563]

indeed. waterbase automotive paint is the standard now. solvent based topcoats are going the way of the dodo.

[@ricka5471]

Also the uv rays will degradate the ecoat to topcoat adhesion and cause the topcoat to peel off. Most plants also sprayed too thin of a coat of white paint to allow the uv rays to come in.

[@johnt.848]

Needs a decent etch primer before the top coat.

[@ericoverholt2693]

The term is Thermoset. The high temp cure cause the polymer molecules to form bonds between molecules and creates a network of bonds. Produces a stronger coating.

[@hellenahandbasquet]

Wow came here to say basically the same thing. cool.

[@richardcreed3700]

I used to have a Chevy van with the dog house - Changing the air filter required removing the 16 screws and taking out the ill-fitting cover. I had an oil change place tell me they had an upcharge to remove it, I said "how much?", $2.00. I couldn't say YES fast enough! LOL

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

I would have marked the flex plate and crank shaft with white fingernail polish so you don't have to guess where the bolts line up since you can't see the hole locations in the crankshaft because of the transmission in the way.

[@shakerman55]

Yep. He’s going to say a few choice words doing that.😂

[@brianjrichman]

first of five videos about this vehicle. Glad for you that the customer agreed to spend the 8 or so hours of labor on it.

[@beilno2890]

A 90 degree pick is the easiest way to remove those e clips I have found. It also tends to catch the clip

[@jthonn]

Dang Ray, you reminded me why I didn't become a mechanic, what a pain in the butt. In the old days I would say, not worth fixing, today vehicles are so expensive, it's worth fixing.

[@nlrhsboyssoccer5046]

Evans Waterless Coolant is a Jay Leno staple who uses in almost all of his cars. It is a permanent coolant for the life of the vehicle. Of course at prices from $33 to $75 a gallon, it had better be. The boiling point of the Evans is 375F opposed to 212F for water. Since the boiling temperature of the Evans is so high, your cooling system will not pressurize which is also (supposedly) another advantage of using the product. Cool!

[@Flies2FLL]

I tried this on my turbocharged '85 Scirocco, and it didn't work. It needs higher flow than typical water pumps/radiators can give. Hoses and water pumps last forever with this stuff....IF you can make it work.

[@TheSolidSnakeOil]

So you can pull into a gas station and not have it explode in your face. I've seen that happen more times irl than I've thought possible.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

@@Flies2FLL I have looked into using the Evans coolant. Some people have had no problem with it and other people have had problems with it. Seems it don't like some gaskets and will leak. So, I just went with water and Hy- per Cool. Works just fine for a lot less money.

[@bobpowers4454]

@@Flies2FLL Interesting. I know that one of the more important things is when converting from water to Evans. It is somewhat complicated and tedious. If there was an issue with the cooling system, it will translate into flaws when converting.

[@bobpowers4454]

@@TheSolidSnakeOil If you can get it to the boiling point (375f) it will explode in your face. I don't think you will be able to get the coolant temperature to that high of boiling point unless you disregard the temperature from the water (coolant) gauge and let the needle peg. There may be some pressure, but it should be much less than a water-based coolant. Regardless, you should not add water to the cooling system.

[@zacharytuttle4622]

EVANS Waterless coolant is suppose to be safer for the engine. Which I quote from the website “Evans Waterless Coolant provides distinct advantages over traditional water-based coolant. The absence of water avoids the formation of vapor, high pressure and boil-over, and prevents corrosion and electrolysis. Evans’ high boiling point and lower freeze point allow a wider and safer operating temperature range. The benefits derived from Evans can be achieved in most vehicle applications and engine types, although Evans’ performance may vary depending on cooling system configurations.” Sounds interesting overall, I’d have to ask my Professor if he’d heard of it as he is ASE Certified and a Ford Master Tech. Hope this answers your question about it. Also, thank you for the videos you provide, they help me learn more about cars than what I have learned already. I’m 20 and about to head into the industry in the next year or two.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

This has been around for a long time. The cost is a problem except for Jay Leno of course. 😊

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

One thing is you can't add antifreeze or water to the Evans coolant. That is why the Evans stickers are there to let you know. It can cause cooling problems if you do.

[@davidtreeby3909]

Evans coolant is very popular in UK for classic cars with border line cooling efficiency.

[@bobpowers4454]

@@GaryH-pw9cm From what I have read, adding water eliminates the benefits of the Evans. You can add water in a pinch but they say that it shouldn't exceed 3% of the cooling capacity. But, you lose the benefits and now introduce a liquid that will lower its boiling point and introduce the possibility of pressurizing the system more than just have Evans alone.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Did a 4L60E Transmission removal and rebuild last Week for a good old 90s silverado that was a fun Job Them Jezlus clips Drive you insane 33:02 @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@VikingDudee]

Yeah the Jesus clip, Right angled pick and always have a finger on the side of it so it don't fly idk how many I've done and even picked my finger with said pick trying top get them loose.

[@vilefly]

Missing tool: The universal flywheel turning/holding tool with handle. You know.....the one with the long hook on one side. It's cheap.

[@Gizmetti]

That dipstick looked like it went all the way to the rear end. Looks like a literal whip lol

[@timradde4328]

I thought so too.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Typical van dipstick is why, trucks are shorter

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Typical van dipstick, the Truck Dipsticks are shorter

[@dnclark79]

The Evans waterless antifreeze stuff, it's marketed out here in the desert for it's lack of water, which provides some benefit as it's better for heat transfer. The stuff doesn't work if water is introduced, or if the system was not sufficiently puked of water before beginning. You can find an overview of it on power nation's videos if you want to search those

[@mikeh6876]

Evans has been around for a long time. Jay Leno uses it in most of his antique cars because Evans has no oxygen in it so no rust and a lot lower incidence of corrosion.

[@20flstfi01]

also it won't boil !

[@richardsteckel2814]

It was an era of trying to learn how to apply low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) primer and paint. My ‘92 Buick LeSabre suffered the same problem even though I kept it washed and waxed.

[@70sAirForceBrat]

Dipstick is what I call the engineers that designed the newer Vans, especially the Astro van. They make it nearly impossible to remove the doghouse without bending it out of shape or removing a seat. It's even worse in the Astro when it has the third seat option in between the two front seats. It's almost next impossible to get it out and when you do it puts you through hell to get it back in.

[@caymanchristopher7014]

I love Ray. He just sees the problem and conquers it. If I had to remove a steering column to do a DIY repair I would quit and go get a beer.

[@deplorablelibertarian]

I've done that before....then I had a tow truck take it to my mechanic. I was embarrassed.

[@caymanchristopher7014]

@@deplorablelibertarian Yes. The call of shame, knowing what is being said at the shop. Been there. Wasted about $900 on bearings and hubs.

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

@@deplorablelibertarianno shame in it. I respect people that can take a step away and admit they’re in over their head. It takes a bigger person to do that, and it always leaves the door open to learn how to do hard things the easier way… which is to say correctly.

[@tab6095]

Amazed how u don’t get frustrated doing these jobs!! Great stuff Ray!

[@ken2tou]

Lived on Oahu for 5 years, 73-77. No inspections then. Probably should have. There were a good number of junkers on the road.

[@fatratz2012]

Evans waterless fluid is a coolant that is designed to be used in gasoline-powered vehicles, light duty diesels, LP, and CNG vehicles. It has a boiling point of 375°F and is designed to prevent boilover and after-boil. Evans waterless fluid is also designed to eliminate corrosion, liner, and water pump cavitation erosion.

[@Mikelp73]

Oil leaks are good. They undercoat like nothing else can.

[@Starchface]

3500 Expresses also have 8-lug wheels and usually the 6.0L. We also have the peeling paint issue. These vehicles normally have the orange "OAT" coolant. It's really important to change the coolant at the specified interval or the entire cooling system will turn into Swiss cheese. Same with brake fluid. A "royal flush" might be a good idea here. Maintain your fluids guys or it *will* end in tears!

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

The moisture in unchanged brake fluid will turn the brake lines into a Swiss cheese of rust.

[@44hawk28]

By the way Evans is wonderful stuff, do not add water. Evans allows you to have a coolant that works wonderfully, but does not pressurize the system, which causes most of the issues with cooling systems

[@davidcraven277]

Water based paint is a EPA mandate for clean environment the paint peel is from a bad prep of the base material

[@bhagmeister]

I use Evans on my ‘48 Cadillac. Presumptive benefit that being waterless, it mitigates any rusting of radiator & possibly other engine components.

[@Calango741]

This video reminded me of why I'm so glad I'm not wrenchiin' anymore... What a royal P.I.T.A. just to replace an oil seal.

[@jojomorgan8556]

Top 3 Common Mechanic's " Smoke-Blowing Phrases" ( to make the job sound more complicated than it is) : 1: It Needed a bit of " Percussive Maintenance " DEF: [ I just had to kick it, or, I hit it with a hammer ] 2: Some parts had to be "Creatively Reconfigured Temporarily" DEF: [I Haven't done anything to fix it yet, but I have it rigged up so it shouldn't cause any extra damage like it is so you can use it for now " 3: I am consulting with my colleagues and we should have it taken care of soon " DEF: [ This crap is a complete damned mystery to everyone I've talked to, so, I don't know how,AND iIF anyone CAN actually fix it, I sure don't know them] Tech Dad " Quote of the day " " If it doesn't fit, force it, if it breaks, then it needed to be replaced anyway " 🤣

[@wenghiskhan3084]

Many states require annual (or biennial) safety inspection, Hawaii is no different. The inspection decal is placed on the bumper, but you can buy a bracket to keep the decal off the paint. Members of the military stationed in Hawaii have the option of NOT getting Hawaii license plates, however you still need to register the vehicle and place a massive decal (5"x6" maybe) on your bumper to indicate it's been registered. Pro tip: Rental vehicle break ins are very common in Hawaii...new residents are advised to quickly "personalize" their vehicle with decals to prevent it from looking like a rental (Jeeps for example).

[@williamsquires3070]

The trick to removing those springy clips (including C and E clips) is to put a dab of blu-tak (or possibly also chewed gum) on the side opposite the opening in the clip, once you’ve rotated the clip around to get to the opening in it. Now you can spread the clip ends open without losing it on the shop floor. 😅

[@mikefrazier3826]

Jay Leno's garage uses Evans coolant in their vehicles. The water free quality prevents corrosion in the engines cooling system. He recommends it highly.

[@RadioReprised]

I went through 3 of these between 92 and 22...they were solid with almost no issues but you dump them at about 120K before the expensive stuff starts going. When I asked the Fleet manager as I ordered my last one on 2015 if the Paint issue had been fixed, he said ''I wouldn't bet on it!'' My 05 ''Shed'' all the white paint off in sheets! The 15 was looking good at 7 years so who knows. I just blasted the Bals spots with white Plasti-Dip and lived with it. The Express is still a great platform for a work truck.

[@NemoConsequentae]

41:35 Ray made the blood sacrifice! That's how you know the repair/fix will go well & work properly!

[@only1USA.]

I Believe it has been close to a year with your own shop,Tell us how you feel having your own business, keep up keeping up .

[@donmagill-o7l]

as a gm mechanic back in the 70s im very familiar with the jesus clips, pop them off and they go flying, then you say j- - - s c - - - - st where did that go

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video as always Raymond 51:57 @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@wallace3953]

Anybody who says that the cost of this work is too high, well, let them try to do it all.....U really know what U r doin' great efforts!

[@tedpanes1865]

I used Evans in my Western Star after my rebuild. It boils at approx 300 degrees. Very good stuff if you can afford it. 60 $ a gallon.

[@whatsoutthere6822]

2 wife unit cameos in one video. Thanks for your insights, Ray.

[@russellrobinson4173]

Hello from Roanoke VA. I try and watch everyday. I owned the biggest transmissin shop in town. And closed in 2010. After 25 years because of health problems. I agree with 99% of what you do , there is one thing that drives me nuts is taking out cotter keys with needle nose plyers. A set of wire cutters is so much easier. Good luck to you and then wife unit. I will be joining soon. Russ

[@johndesaavedra1040]

The older generation G-series vans have a doghouse all the way to the flat floor, making access to the upper bell housing bolts a breeze.

[@roywhite7833]

It’s great to finally see an Express van being worked on in your shop.

[@lokigames5091]

Talking about how many tork converter bolts, I've always been kinda surprised at how few they have used, I believe the original 3.8 and metric 200 trans that came in my 87 Buick they only had 3.

[@jimdavis6833]

I drove a brand new WHITE 2004 Astro van for 8 years prior to retiring in 2012. Not one place did it ever peel or fade.

[@kevincurry4735]

Morning Ray. Those floors are so sharp now.

[@PBE86]

Nice shop man. You came a long way from that other shop, Florida man😅

[@donbenjamin3]

Love the under-chassis cam! Also love the HDR video. Looks like I’m right there with you under the hood.

[@brtaylor9503]

Evans waterless coolant work very well without the buildup of pressure However that looked contaminated

[@leendertdeheer243]

The work shop looks great now

[@fubartotale3389]

"Jay Lenos Garage" did a thing on that coolant in the past. No water, no oxidation. You have to get the system empty and dry first, but it doesn't allow oxidation, because no H2O.

[@mikeg2214]

The Shop looks great!

[@billutter5440]

RainMan watching you work on un-rusted cars and old nice stuff ,brings a smile to the face. I'm moving to Florida, here comes another transplant 😂

[@madman432000]

Oil pressure looks low too, wasn't registering on the gauge.

[@steveschaff8848]

Vans have pros and cons for working on them. Those top two bellhousing bolt were easier in the van accessing them from the dog house instead of reaching from behind the trans, nice video thanks ray

[@dmv_baltimore_aviation]

I can’t help you ray I never seen the coolant look like that I’ve seen the manufacture and the lime crystal yellow standard coolant but never seen coolant like that in that condition I’d be mildly concerned I’ve gotten these vans but the passenger ones used for shuttles or customer transport to the airport but these were solid and can confirm the paint on the white ones aren’t the greatest

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good old Cladsic Chevy Rear main seal Needs replaced And valve cover seals and valley seal typical chevy 19:27 @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@golf25radioman]

Rear main oil seals have always been a challenge. To my knowledge, when GM went to the 360 degree one in the 2.8 V-6 in the S-10 techs first experienced the challenge of them - do I pull the engine or trans; can I "sneak" it out without doing either? Great video showing how to get this particular van one. I was hoping there'd be enough room to get to it without pulling the trans completely. Looking forward to the follow-up videos on this. Thanks for the great cameo of Lauren/WifeUnit. She's as beautiful as ever. Ray, you're a lucky guy (hope you don't mind me saying). 😊

[@shadowopsairman1583]

They are called 1 piece seals, the old units were 2 piece

[@domfer2540]

Have you ever heard of oil cooling motorcycles? Evan’s is waterless coolant. I use waterless coolant in my 68 mustang. Good for 25 years. It is expensive but good.

[@RVBob]

You have a Jesus clip. On our helicopter in the Navy, we had a Jesus nut. It was a HUGE nut that secured the rotor head to the vert shaft. It had an incredibly high torque value. If that nut failed, you would be meeting Jesus.

[@Modore64]

32:18. Time to have the Wife unit install parts again.

[@johnhanson6039]

I had a Toyota Rav 4 with a similar paint issue, and Toyota to my surprise wound up repainting the entire car at their cost, when it was 10 years and 7 months old, Cost of paint job was 3700 dollars roughly, but original guarantee was only 3 years or 36K miles so really surprised but very welcome.

[@jsh6952]

@RainmanRaysRepairs Jay Leno uses that coolant in everything he owns. It prevents cooling system corrosion and hose degradation. The cooling system has to be fully flushed and dry, and all hoses replaced before filling with the waterless coolant.

[@alanearnest6040]

Put a magnet by the e clips when removing them

[@BobNob1]

the paint issue is from a non sandable primer that gm tried

[@thearrow5793]

Hay Ray….I thought this video is 10 minutes it’s ending soon….thanks 👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@ronsloan7662]

Hey Ray, interesting project. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Cheers!

[@MonkeyJedi99]

After so many diagnostic segments, it seems finding the source of a fluid leak is like finding a puddle in your closet and working up until you find which window sill or roof shingle has failed.

[@QuantumStellar]

Shop look's professional now. it did before, but this look's official, Like a referee whistle.

[@nathanielhannan4860]

I like using Evans in my old BMWs. It has a VERY HIGH boiling point, so it doesn't pressurize the system, resulting in less frequent BMW plastic explosions. With no water in the system, there's no electrolysis, so very little opportunity for corrosion in the cooling system.

[@LA_Commander]

Hey Ray when you work around hot parts like the engine manifolds and so forth have you thought about wearing some mechanics gloves or something like that? I think they sell them at Walmart or Harbor Freight for 3-5 bucks.

[@abcd-dr5xy]

I worked on a car with that type of cruise control it worked for years and then quit working and I had to add a relay in it for it to start working again

[@gabernator6044]

Have that cruise control stalk in my 2005 toyota echo hatch.

[@richarddouchkov9453]

Toyota, Mitsubishi and Honda vehicles of the same vintage had this issue with peeling paint. Again this seemed to be restricted to the White ones (only)

[@johnbridwell1244]

Love ya Ray.A cheap magnetic torpedo level on your tranny jack helps to level it and stores on the jack for ready use.

[@Kykid78]

Tropicana trains are loud but they do make a pretty strong juice.

[@GaryH-pw9cm]

I like the Tropicana trains in the background. Some of the best auto repair shops are down by the railroad tracks. 😊

[@thepubliceye]

J Leno uses that coolent in all of his collection, being waterless nothing will ever rust or corried.

[@patrickchavez3848]

When my brother worked on cars and the parts he had to touch were still hot he would hit them with air to cool them down enough to touch them without burning himself.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Great video curious about changing the front oil seal in transmission behind torque converter

[@rogerthornton4068]

I'm an old guy and remember back in the day when removing a dog pen was just two latches and it was out. I dont know why it is now necessary to be such a pain in the ass.

[@jays106]

those 2 latches back in the day were alot more rugged too. went with cheaper smaller latches but to make up for what they are lacking they add more

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

That would be carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust leaks. As a paramedic, I saw two older vans with this problem. The human price was high on one of the calls: the van was on cruise control and had 12 people onboard. It went across the four lane’s center divide, hitting a semi. Of the 12, only the front occupants had belts on. It was a human Jackson Pollock. Figured the driver had fallen asleep, which he did. It wasn’t fatigue, though. Toxicology came back with CO poisoning. Better seals are there for a reason. Times change.

[@robertbeebe6146]

There were also two bolts into the floor!

[@jasontillilie3669]

That's a very long drive from Hawaii to Florida!

[@markhewitt7568]

In the uk we have a yearly test of all vehicles called MOT if you faill your test vehicle is removed from the road untill its rectified

[@michaelmartin2276]

The waterless coolant,as I know it causes the engine to run hotter than normal. Being water less its supposed to prevent any corrosion internally. But because it runs hotter I have seen it cause gasket and seal failures. Plus I believe its quite expensive too !

[@michaelstoliker971]

Oh! It's the hanger.

[@StevenKelley-et2qe]

Hey Ray when are going to install a phone so we can hear the doddle le do again? How long will the shop stay as clean as it is? Dave did a great job in cleaning it up while you were gone.

[@peterschalker]

The problem with some waterless coolants is the flamepoint I had to diagnose a classis car that was on fire in the engine bay. Turns out that a radiator hose got lose and coolant that leaked out was sprayd by the coolfan over the exaust manifold and started to burn.

[@johndesaavedra1040]

Reminds me of my 25 years of driving and servicing Chevrolet vans.

[@mikehunt908]

Well done Ray

[@edwardmalfroid946]

I use Evans in my supercharged Goldwing. It works well.

[@merlinswolf1]

That floor looks so much nicer. Brightens it up

[@jimm1819]

Amazon has the Lisle Jiffy-tite tool for about 18 bucks. To release the trans line clips. Looks a lot easier than prying them out, and you don't lose the clips.

[@petermccoll469]

Nice beginning. Great work!

[@johnangelico667]

Cruise control is great - it is a most effective means for keeping the foot off the accelerator pedal. I use it as much as possible to maintain the legal driving speed wherever I am driving.

[@franknewell7017]

Love the floor covering!

[@jackschissler255]

I feel this should be a X rated episode 😱. “Ray’s Rear end is Leaking”. 😁.

[@dmax1234]

Brand on Cruise control is ROSTRA or ROSTA, They have wiring diagram online available. Good luck

[@ghost_rider221]

Heres one for ya...i replaced brake cyclinders... rotor.. brake pads..on front of my 2010 F150XLT..my driver side brake was hangin up on me and gettiing the wheel extremely hot thats why i replaced all that..i ended up having to replace the brake hose on driver side and all 4 wheel sensors..now the brake does not hangup anymore but when i drive my truck the lights on the dash go out (abs..brake) and if i use my brakes i get a pulsating feeling and can hear it from under hood..after i drive it for about 50 feet the lihgts come back on and the pulsating feeling goes away. What in the world do i need to replace next..I was told the wheel bearing on the driver side..which i will do but was hoping for a reply from you or your viewers..Thanks ray.

[@bradmarcum2927]

Concerning the fleecing for vehicle inspections. Effective 1 Jan 25 vehicle inspections in Texas are no longer required. But get this, you still have to pay the inspection cost. No kidding.

[@jsteve8139]

I call those clips the 10000 SOB clips. They’re on mercury outboards. They hold down the fuel injectors. Because like you said, if you get behind them the wrong way, they fly off at 10000 mph and are lost forever. Then you say SOB because they cost like $10 each to replace on an outboard.

[@cams2705]

Ray, your newly painted floors look great! Do you know the prep work that was done and what primer and paint was used?