Bad Coolant Leak - But where?

[bjohnson15]

Hi All,

New to the forums here. I was cruisin' to work in my 2002 Bonne, when I noticed she was overheating. Then steam was pouring out of the hood. Looking around, I noticed where the pressure was coming out. Just above the water pump is one of the plastic "L" adapters. The steam was either coming from the tube OR it was coming out of the seal behind the water pump (orange). Any thoughts? I have some pix of the trouble site, but don't know how to upload them into this post.

Any help would be MOST appreciated!!

[cougarcat454]

Probably going to need to replace that elbow. They are notorious for going out. They get old and crack and leak coolant. Pretty easy to fix, inexpensive parts as well. I have done this on both my 01 grand prix and 01 Bonneville.

Check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX__c6HZuCQ

Think that should pretty much explain it, if it is the coolant elbow. You will want to go ahead and replace them both while you are at it.

[Arrowhead]

I'm not convinced of the video guy's use of "penetrating oil" on the new plastic elbows and whatever those O-rings are made from. Oil is generally known to deteriorate plastic & rubber. I've seen where a silicone caulk/sealant was used also. I'm not sure what's the best to use, but, I sure wouldn't use any oil/grease that wasn't specifically stated as being safe for plastics & rubber. Maybe some Delta faucet grease would be a winner. I'd definitely seek out the metal version of those elbows too, so that the cracked plastic business won't ever happen again. Link to alum version below.


http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-47065HP-El ... lant+elbow

[bjohnson15]

cougarcat454,

Thanks for the reply. That's what I'm thinking as well, due to their notoriety. However, I don't want to replace them & then find out it's the orange (seal? Gasket?) that's behind the plate - that receives the gasket & the actual water pump bolts onto. Anyone else experience any issue with the seal (gasket)?

Arrowhead, you're right. I would NEVER use penetrating oil, only silicone grease. Penetrating oil is petroleum solvent which can turn plastic into 'silly putty'.....

Thanks all,

[walnut777]

I replaced those elbows when I installed a new Upper intake manifold and aluminum lower intakes gaskets. I did like the link below in bold and used RTV on my fittings. It didnt go in easy but as I tightened the bolts down it all went into place correctly.


This is from the common problems thread:
Leaking/Cracked Coolant Elbows
Problem: You are noticing a loss of coolant. You determine its coming from the passenger side of the engine where the plastic coolant elbow goes from the LIM to the tensioner bracket. The elbow is either cracked, or is leaking past the o-rings.
Solution: The elbows need to be replaced. You need to remove the alternator, and the tensioner assembly to get to them. Apply some silicone RTV to the ends of the elbows before installing them.
Part number: Dorman HELP! 47065: http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-19917-47065.aspx
More info: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23252
Where to put the RTV: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=25473&p=259394
Estimated Cost: $5 for the elbows, plus $5 for some silicone RTV

[2003 SSEi]

Guys, FYI Dorman now makes Metal Coolant Elbows...

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-52351-47065hp.aspx

[bjohnson15]

Thanks Guys,

Like Arrowhead & 2003 SSEi stated, for an extra $5, you can now get the Dorman Aluminum elbows (P/N 47065) at Advanced Autoparts (big chain around IL, anyway), for $11.99 - big whoop.

I'll throw those in & let you all know if all is solved.

Thanks Again !!

[Arrowhead]

I feel left out.......my 93 SE does not have those elbows, there're hoses instead. I've forgotten, was the 93 NA 3800 engine part of the whole UIM+LIM gasket problem group ?? I'm not sure of the car's repair history and wondered if those items might have been corrected in it's first 80,000mi with the original owners. I'm prepping the car to sell it, but, I'm NOT doing any engine work on it at this point. 183,000mi. and purrs like a kitty cat, no smoke and it passed Maryland's emissions test with great scores !

[bjohnson15]

Hey All,

Decided to be smart for once & rent a coolant pressure kit from AutoZone. Yep, verified that it was the elbow, like I expected. Got the aluminum elbows in & no leaks.

However, the leaky elbow (front) just exploded in a million pieces trying to get it out. Had to get a metal probe kit (straight, 45 angle, 90 angle, hook) at Ace Hardware & it was well worth it in helping getting the plastic pieces out & scraping the crap off the walls where the elbows go into the block.

Thanks all for the direction !! Success!!

[PHATZ3442]

Hello group new here I have a ? I'm being charged 550 for replacement of coolent elbows on the back of the engine gal of coolent and belt is that price fare I have 2004 pontiac bonneville sle

[analogkid455]

I would say that is a bit high but in the ballpark.