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Coolant Loss: no noticable leaks

JoeNest

JoeNest

New member
Hey out there. I think I have to replace the upper intake because I can smell antifreeze and my reservoir keeps getting empty, and there is no noticeable leaks. I thought I saw a write up on replacing it and was wondering if anyone knows if there is one and where it is. Pictures and someone's experience would be very helpful for when I tackle that project. Thanks.
 


I would check around the coolant elbows, and check the sides of the radiator.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........
 
Sounds like it's eating coolant through the intake manifold gaskets if the res keep dropping with no leaks on the outside.

If you are around 100k miles, replace them anyway.

And do what slick said, check the side tanks on the rad.
 
Rad has no leaks. Only has 70k but I have heard that the 3.8 is notorious for this problem. Guess I will be replacing it.
 


I had a slow leak at the water pump that I could not find for awhile. Finally it started getting worse enough to were I finally found the leak. Check around the water pump pulley and around the elbows for seepage.
 
If I were you I'd do it in one fell swoop and get it over with. The water pump (if it's the original), the lower and upper intake gaskets, coolant elbows (I've had great luck with the aluminum ones) and maybe even valve cover gaskets if they're also original.

Look at where the heads meet the lower intake. If you see a black/plastic gasket, you'll definitely have to replace it soon. If it's a silver/aluminum gasket (the newer style) then you can afford to wait a bit, but really the sooner the better. You never know when it might get worse and cause you to ruin something on the bottom end.
 
I had same problem in my 2000 gtp, it was leaking where the main hose connects to the radiator, the POS clamp is a POS. Try running the car and wiggling the hose. When i did alot of coolant was pooring out. I just had different clamp put on
 


That is perfect. Thank you for the link. Now just have to get to work. And yes I work at an auto parts store and found I can get the aluminum elbows instead of the plastic so defiantly going that route.
 
nik12937 said:
Look at where the heads meet the lower intake. If you see a black/plastic gasket, you'll definitely have to replace it soon. If it's a silver/aluminum gasket (the newer style) then you can afford to wait a bit, but really the sooner the better. You never know when it might get worse and cause you to ruin something on the bottom end.
Click to expand...

I'm sitting at 100k miles with an 08 model. I have verified that I have the silver/aluminum LIM gaskets and I was under the impression those do not need to be changed out. From your post it sounds like you would still recommend changing them - why? Are they still prone to eventual failure and considered a maintenance item? Rethinking my situation :th_scratchhead:
 
I think he is talking about the head gaskets there. The newer models had the aluminum head gaskets I believe. It really all depends on how you drive and if it has ever over heated on you and stuff. It's not a hard job to do honestly. But like he said, if you're going to do it, do it right and change everything. upper and lowers, valve covers, coolant elbows, MAP sensor o-rings, fuel injector o-rings, tb gasket, tstat gasket, etc. It will put your mind at ease once all that is switched out.
 


No question lol just thought I would tell you so you could check yours. Didn't know mine was leaking till I had it on a lift


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luckyg817 said:
I think he is talking about the head gaskets there. The newer models had the aluminum head gaskets I believe. It really all depends on how you drive and if it has ever over heated on you and stuff. It's not a hard job to do honestly. But like he said, if you're going to do it, do it right and change everything. upper and lowers, valve covers, coolant elbows, MAP sensor o-rings, fuel injector o-rings, tb gasket, tstat gasket, etc. It will put your mind at ease once all that is switched out.
Click to expand...

All series 2 and 3 cars used the same head gaskets, gm never changed them. I think you mean the intake gaskets were aluminum on newer cars not the head gaskets.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........
 
Slick2500 said:
All series 2 and 3 cars used the same head gaskets, gm never changed them. I think you mean the intake gaskets were aluminum on newer cars not the head gaskets.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........
Click to expand...

You might be right. I can't remember correctly. I know they switched something to aluminum. Now i've heard different sides to whether it was a good or bad thing with aluminum.
 
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