Thread: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!?

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  1. #1 Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    So I'm losing coolant and there's no signs for leaks. But reservoir empty and sometimes car heat fast but the heater blows cool air.

    Anyway I took the car to the shop. He did pressure test and said there's no leak.
    But the coolant goes somewhere.

    Must I say that maybe I saw some drops from exhaust but I thought it might be steam or something.

    Im tired of this. Anyone know what might it be?
    Grand Prix gt 1999 v6 3.8L coupe.
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  2. #2 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Sure..

    You talking about the 98 in your signature?
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  3. #3 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    Yes
    Grand Prix gt 1999 v6 3.8L coupe.
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  4. #4 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Most common issue that is tough to find.
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/97-03...ure-60667.html
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  5. #5 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    I had the exact same issue in my grand am GT with the 3.4L. Always had water like fluid in the tailpipe but wasn't smoking or any issues, just had to fill coolant tank every other day. After a month of this the car got a bad misfire on cylinder 1 and it wasn't a plug, injector or wires.
    Removed the cylinder head and found a tiny crack in the head gasket from edge to the cylinder. Swapped out head gasket/new LIM and it was good to go after that.

    Hope that info helps at all
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  6. #6 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    3.4's are known for cracked heads/head gaskets, 3800's aren't.

    BTW, it's winter condensation in exhaust is very normal.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  7. #7 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    It seems its more issues with the lower intake manifold then head gasket on the 3400. Was just sharing my issue when I had coolant disappearing also
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  8. #8 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    GTX Level Member loopy smurf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BillBoost37 View Post
    3.4's are known for cracked heads/head gaskets, 3800's aren't.

    BTW, it's winter condensation in exhaust is very normal.
    Yup...had to have both head gaskets in my wifes Montana with the 3.4 at around 50,000 miles. VERY common, from other people I've talked to. With 3.4, it's the head gaskets. 3.1, it's the LIM...
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  9. #9 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    I have 3.8L though and it's a Grand Prix that has 200k on it.
    If its a head gasket. What's the cost for repairing it?
    Grand Prix gt 1999 v6 3.8L coupe.
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  10. #10 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    Think Intake gaskets, not head gaskets.

    Its likely eating the coolant.

    SMGPFC Member #1
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  11. #11 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    I imagine you've checked the oil and its not milkshakey, right? That'd be the first obvious sign of the LIM.
    Does the exhaust fumes have a unique smell at all?
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  12. #12 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    is your over flow tank for the rad full all the time? if so then think head gasket, im living this reality right now with my car.

    being it looks like your a N/A engine you can take off the TB and look inside the upper intake, if its wet inside, theres your problem. upper intake gasket gasket. then you'll want to follow Bills write up he posted.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  13. #13 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    No milkshake oil. It's almost black.
    Reservoir is empty. Dammit. I'm gonna try to fill the radiator again.
    Pipes don't feel like something go through at all tho.

    What else can it be?
    Grand Prix gt 1999 v6 3.8L coupe.
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  14. #14 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Donating Users Nickell's Avatar
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    does the vehicle misfire? the coolant is either leaking outside of the motor or leaking inside of the motor.
    1998 GP Daytona - PLOG, 104's, PRJ Wires, Lucas 42.5's, DHP 1.0 Tune, DP, Full Borla, GPO's, Roof Rails, Gen 2 Spoiler, 04+ Needles, Menards Intake, 3.5 Pulley, SSC Springs, Corn-fed
    2000 Bonneville SSEI - 212k+, New Gaskets and Stuffs
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  15. #15 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    take i peek inside the upper intake, it will tell the whole story.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  16. #16 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
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    Some details. I opened cap. And tried to add some coolant to the radiator. I didn't have much left. Anyway car gets 210 but no hot air from the ac it blows cool air. What can I do?
    Grand Prix gt 1999 v6 3.8L coupe.
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  17. #17 Re: Losing coolant but no leaks?!?!? 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    you need to flush and fill the heater core, take both hoses off the back of the alt bracket, take a garden hose to one hose, flush it out, and then fill it. put the hoses back on.

    you need to start looking around for the coolant loss here, or be more on top of it, you dont want to lose the engine.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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