I have to think that if the shop knows about the Aluminum cooling pipes that is a VERY good sign!
Hoping to see a follow up with pictures?
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Well, I'm still confused. The shop performed a 30-minute pressure test at 20psi. They said that the gauge didn't go below 20psi and they found no visible leaks. So, I asked where the coolant was going and was told that there confident that there's not an internal leak in the engine because it would be smoking, driving poorly and there'd be codes.

They did find that the engine oil pan is leaking. That makes sense because the fluid that I got off of the rock shield looked like oil, though I was assuming it was just really dirty coolant.

They also found that the tie rod ends have deteriorated. They send me a picture and they're correct about that.

Finally, they said that the third brake like has an intermittent fault which is causing it to not work sometimes.

I'll have them fix the oil pan leak but will have the tie rods done at a shop right down the street from my work. That shop specializes in suspension work, and I've been dealing with them for years, so I really trust their work. As for the third brake light, I'll check that out myself.

So, what would y'all do about the coolant leak? Just fill it and see if it continues?