Thread: Mysterious coolant loss ...

Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1 Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cleveland
    Posts
    9
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I have a garden variety, 2006, 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated Grand Prix

    The coolant reserve tank will lose a quart of fluid in a couple of days, then I can fill it up and it might go a couple of weeks with no discernible loss and then suddenly lose a quart again. There are no leaks on the garage floor, wetness in the engine compartment or signs of coolant in the oil. Any ideas where the coolant could be going?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
     

  3. #3 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    GrandPrix Junkie CTKGP09's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Willoughby, Ohio
    Posts
    3,831
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    perhaps time for a full flush...
    '04 Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 - intake, headers, full exhaust, zo6 cam, 799 heads, tune, leveled, 33's
    '00 Grand Prix GTP DAYTONA 500 - L36 block, S1X, intercooled, GenV, N*, headers, full exhaust, coilovers, 5 speed swap, stage 3+ clutch
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    syracuse
    Posts
    14
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    sounds like your burning it. smell the tail pipes if it smells sweet thats the prob.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    GTX Level Member Juanmiguel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Mexico
    Posts
    1,166
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    maybe heater core leak? but i think you would notice that one more easily.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cleveland
    Posts
    9
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by jessica lavoy View Post
    sounds like your burning it. smell the tail pipes if it smells sweet thats the prob.
    Jessica -- I'll check that out -- awesome tip!

    If it does turn out I'm burning the coolant, would that definitely indicate a leaking intake manifold gasket? I have seen lots of posts here and elsewhere that say this is common problem with this GM engine. I'm reasonably fearless when it comes to tearing into stuff like this, but how difficult would this job be for a shade tree mechanic. I don't have a good shop manual for the car yet, but I'll get one. So, armed with a torque wrench and an intermediate level of DIY skills, is this doable?

    Thanks!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    DUI BABY Bio248's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    MILWAUKEE
    Posts
    31,340
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    its not a horrible job, just a little messy with the coolant that youll have to run through. you just have to make sure you change your oil once or twice immediate after doing it so there is no coolant in the oil after you spill it into the engine (you will).
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member 04intimidatorSS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Saint Louis
    Posts
    108
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I just did the lower intake gaskets in the past 3 days. It;s not hard at all. http://www.grandprixforums.net/lim_lifter_video.php watch that video.
    MODS: u bend delete, resonator delete, 3 inch ZZP bolt in catted DP, PLOG, 180* stat, Dogbone flip, CAI, AL 104's gaped at .052, ported blower, 3.5 and (3.4 current pulley) PCM tune by STL98GTP
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cleveland
    Posts
    9
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Thanks, guys -- the video was excellent!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: Mysterious coolant loss ... 
    SE Level Member 04intimidatorSS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Saint Louis
    Posts
    108
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Anytime yell at me if ya got questions. It took us a total of 7 hours to do everything and that time included errors and such. I got the permadry problem solver fel pro gasket set.
    MODS: u bend delete, resonator delete, 3 inch ZZP bolt in catted DP, PLOG, 180* stat, Dogbone flip, CAI, AL 104's gaped at .052, ported blower, 3.5 and (3.4 current pulley) PCM tune by STL98GTP
    Reply With Quote  
     

Similar Threads

  1. mysterious connector!?
    By gotboost3 in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 08-09-2011, 02:00 PM
  2. mysterious clicking
    By bennybravo in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-06-2010, 01:07 PM
  3. overheating and big loss of coolant
    By milehighmark in forum 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated (L36)(L26)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 06-27-2009, 05:31 PM
  4. Coolant Loss, intake Gasket or Intake Itself???
    By WoR in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-29-2009, 04:02 PM
  5. Might get my first loss....
    By Mvfootball1 in forum Track Sessions and Kills
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 04-10-2009, 07:44 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •