1996 Chevrolet Blazer LS from North America - Comments

Heater core.

Radiator.

Thermostat.

Serpentine tensioner.

Seats tearing at seat.

I bought a 96 chevy blazer in january of 2002 with 32000 miles on it. I began hearing a "gurgling" sound and immediately notified the dealer he said that the problem was a heater core and he would have it changed. The mechanic changed the heater core and said it was completely clogged with what looked like red clay. About 1 yr later I began losing heat in my vehicle, I contacted the dealer he said too bad andthe extended warranty I paid $1000 for would not cover the problem. I then contacted a gm dealer they told me to replace the heater core and flush the system it would cost $800. I opted to have them flush the system just to get the dex-cool out, which alone cost $300, and then changed the heater core myself. They then put dex-cool back in the car after I spent $300 to have it taken out. about 6 months later the same problem occured with losing heat and the car overheating. I then had to change the radiator which cost $250 with me installing it. I then bought a flush kit from a parts store which cost roughly $3. I have flushed my blazer myself 9 seperate times and gotten all the dex-cool out of it. I have finally switched back to good old fashioned green antifreeze and have had to only top off my antifreeze with each oil change. Today 3-2-06 I have 85000 miles on my blazer.

GM & the Radiator dude both stated that the orange stuff will eat the new aluminum radiators. Additionally, that it will void the radiator warranty if you use green-stuff in it. You've not had any problems with your new radiator, though?

We're having a heck of a time even GETTING TO the heater core... Which should be somewhere under that dash on the passenger side... What a bear! Thanks for your comments, they really are helpful!

Bought my 96 Blazer 4Dr 4x4 4.3L back in 1999 - from a used car dealer. Almost immediately, I heard the "GURGLING" sound that you speak of. It almost sounds like the transmission location - yet I never had a blocked heater core. Heat has never been a problem.

Noticed that a gooseneck on the top of the engine (to the radiator) - had a small pinsized leak (almost unnoticeable). Nothing some JB weld couldn't fix. Also, cutting in a T connection and backflushing the radiator sure helped. I believe (unsure of though) - that when the DEXCOOL has a leak, etc... it forms that GUNK. Pain to get rid of. Definitely back-flush. I used to get rid of the sound just by making sure I had enough coolant... but only recently the sound re-appeared.

Unfortunately - this past week - my water pump is gone. Squealing bad and leaking like a siv. After the DEXCOOL problems - I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. Will probably replace the hoses while I'm in there too. The radiator works fine with no leaks also. Maybe tough to clean out without a good water pump though.

I mainly use it as a back-up vehicle. 114k on it now. Just had transmission rebuilt ($1,275 - great deal). 02 sensors aren't that expensive... and brakes, etc. are needed on any vehicle. Alternator went bad, but it hasn't been a total headache.

But, I wish I would have sold it 3 yrs ago - when my wife stopped driving it on a daily basis.