On my 2000 SSEi with 86,000 miles, I have recently been monitoring coolant leaking at the base of the bypass elbow only when the engine is cold. I know of the problems with the UIM and LIM but that does not appear to be the issue. No signs of coolant in the crankcase, just a small leak at the elbow. Can the elbow be replaced without dismantling all sorts of things?
Thanks,
Bob N

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Bob N

The elbows can be replaced by removing the tensioner.

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Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, drilled 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley.

Thanks Archon, any tips on removing the old elbow?

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Bob N

Remove alternator from the tensioner bracket assembly, then there should be two bolts, holding the assembly on. One to the left of the tensioner and one left of the coolant outlet passage.



From there work both elbow's (top and bottom) free and then replace both elbows. Dorman coolant elbow package 47065 contains both.

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97 Ei
97 GS
98 GS

Frankly, if you haven't changed the intake gaskets yet, that would be the way to go. If you're leaking from the elbow, it's quite possible the LIM gasket is in similar shape as they're made from similar material.

Drain the cooling system, remove the alternator, and then there are 3 bolts holding the tensioner in. Wiggling the tensioner a bit, try to pull it straight back, perhaps prying slightly against the elbow. Remember there is another plastic elbow on the lower left of the tensioner that goes to the water pump, so watch that one too. If they do break, they can usually be pried out with a screwdriver, but be careful not to score the aluminum, or you'll have another leak. Before replacing the elbows, clean out all the crud that will have built up or you again will have a leak.

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Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, drilled 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley.

Archon and BillBoost37,

I made a mistake on the part name, it's the HEATER WATER INLET PIPE. It looks like it would be relatively easy to replace, any advice.

Thanks,

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Bob N

Ok..If I'm right on the name you gave us, it's one of the pipes under the hose remants in the picture. Those are pretty straight forward. Remove the 8mm bolt that holds it down and wiggle it out. Match up the O-ring as best as you can, clean the tensioner where the ring will go and then use oil/grease/vasoline to lube up the new ring and in it goes. Bolt back down. Refill with coolant.

I have found most of the O-rings on the car are compatible with the elbow o-rings or a kit of them I picked up at Harbor Freight.

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97 Ei
97 GS
98 GS

Thanks for the info, if I could figure out how to add a photo, I would show it to you. In any case, you've covered the problem and even I should be able to fix it.

Thanks again,
Bob N

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Bob N