How to change coolant elbows

**grandamle91** · 07-23-2014

The casted ones were mainly on Buicks, and Olds. At least that's all I've seen them on

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

Originally Posted by grandamle91

The casted ones were mainly on Buicks, and Olds. At least that's all I've seen them on

you see them on every 96-98 w body with a 3800 of any make or model.

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

does this tensioner come out if you pull the motor?

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

nope.

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

oh really? Well i guess if the motor is out, it will be easier to get to it.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

for sure. you can see what going on better.

you dont want to pull it on a any angles really or the timing cover can break. keep it level and a little wiggle left and right while pulling it to the fender.

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

the motor or the elbow?

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

think about where the timing cover is then check back with me......

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

I haven't gotten a chance to look to in depth at this engine yet. In fact I haven't seen it in the day light yet.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

that cast elbow goes into the timing cover, if you dont pull the alt bracket off straight the timing cover cover coolant inlet hole will break. then your changing the timing cover on the engine.

this is why its just a little wiggle as you pull it off. this can seem like its taking forever, walk away, take 5, come back to it if need be.

once its off, clean the 3 holes out good and the cast elbow, take the new O ring off the new elbow your not using and put it on the cast elbow. re install it with a new upper elbow.

**grandamle91** · 07-23-2014

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

you see them on every 96-98 w body with a 3800 of any make or model.

My 97,98 Grand Prix Doesn't have the cast

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

that cast elbow goes into the timing cover, if you dont pull the alt bracket off straight the timing cover cover coolant inlet hole will break. then your changing the timing cover on the engine.

this is why its just a little wiggle as you pull it off. this can seem like its taking forever, walk away, take 5, come back to it if need be.

once its off, clean the 3 holes out good and the cast elbow, take the new O ring off the new elbow your not using and put it on the cast elbow. re install it with a new upper elbow.

might change it anyway though since when I pull the motor I'll be replacing the cam amongst many other things

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

it has to come off in that case. its in the timing cover. and thats coming off to install a cam

**camopaint0707** · 07-23-2014

thanks, wanna try and find an aluminum subframe for me?

**Scottydoggs** · 07-23-2014

thats your job pal. leg work, get to it lol

**BillBoost37** · 07-23-2014

Originally Posted by grandamle91

My 97,98 Grand Prix Doesn't have the cast

All 3800's came cast from 97 and 98. If yours doesn't have it.. then it had an F body one. Because that one got two plastic elbows from the start.

**100GRAND** · 07-23-2014

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

a 97-98 bracket, see the lower cast elbow on the bottle left of the part? thats the cast elbow

Ohh ohk, now I see! Thanks

**MidnightGT** · 09-10-2014

I assume this is just as easy for us supercharged folk, correct? Just a bit more finesse around the s/c is required?

**Scottydoggs** · 09-10-2014

same job....only your taking the sc belt off to get the other belt off.

what finesse? its not in the way at all.

**MidnightGT** · 09-10-2014

Awesome, thanks for the info. Haven't really looked under the hood to check yet. Car is in for inspection and they called me and mentioned a coolant leak at one of the elbows. Also said it could take them 2hours because the supercharger. But they seem to be full of s***. Looks like well less than an hour to me. Will tell them to leave it be and I will fix it myself.

I will finally flush and switch to the green coolant while I am it. Get rid of that sloshing hopefully, too.