Multiple Problems - any thoughts?
 

I'm gonna lay out some problems in hopes that someone knows something about them...

I have a coolant leak from somewhere towards the front of the engine (not overheating, but have to add maybe a 1/2 quart of fluid every 2 or 3 weeks)... Have not had a chance to track the leak down yet, but it drips off my center link onto the ground...

I have lost a bit of power lately, like the tranny going into limp... It will blow black smoke, but just won't put you in your seat like it used to... I am running a Superchips Flashpaq on Economy mode... I seem to smell diesel sometimes, but i don't notice any leaks anywhere... I'm also getting a service engine light that does not go off... I have not checked the code, could this solve the problem or at least direct me to the problem?

I will do my best to answer questions... I really just don't know where to start with these problems... What's first, second, or what can wait till cash is in hand to spend... Any thoughts or answers are greatly appreciated!

As for the coolant leak. It's probably the water pump, Our trucks are notorious for water pump leaks. It will run straight down the block.

As for the limp home pulling the code is the best thing to start with. If nothing else return it to the stock tune just to benchmark to rule it out if the problem still arises.

How long has it been since the fuel filter has been changed? id start there.

it is due for a fuel filter change... good point... I will start with the filter and code...

I will check my water pump for the leak (being that i have not noticed leaking hoses)

Thanks Guys:c:

Ok... today i changed the oil and filter... and the fuel filter... went by Chevy dealer and asked a few questions and they said the same thing about the fuel filter.... The truck runs much better now... The code went away then re-appeared... not sure what's throwing it, but i will have it tested to see...

As far as the water pump, the service chick at the dealership told me that that's usually what goes when you have "the non-obvious" coolant leak... Guess i will be shopping for one... It will be my next repair... *gasp*:dang:

Well, i checked my water pump today and it's bone dry around the seal(s)... i do have a hose that was being rubbed by a bolt on my steering center link - it has coolant dripping from it... I guess i've found my coolant problem, now to replace this hose and see if my problem goes away...

keep us updated

check the code yet? the superchips should have the ability to do that

:scare2: for some reason my tuner is choosy when it wants to work or not, so i'm still trying to read the code... I havn't givin up yet...

Yes the service light is due to the tranny being in a limp mode. I run a Quadzilla 2 Stealth Race Edition for the LB7 only and put it into limp mode to protect the tranny by reducing the amount of hp you recieve. All you have to di is look on your chip or programmer and get the dtc codes and more than likely it'll just be 1 which is the "limp mode" code, just clear it and the light should go off and your truck should be back to normal. I take it that it went into limp mode as you were going into overdrive which is when it does it. Just make sure you don't hammer on it rolling at 55 mph or so. That's how i through my code, but all it does is kick it out of gear and you're rpm's may hit around 5k if it happens again you can try pulling over and killing your truck, wait for a few minutes then restart it, sometimes this will take it out of limp mode but your engine light will still be on untill you clear the code.