My daughter's 2003 Monte Carlo was leaking water; and, I noticed water near the temperature sensor. So, I removed it, put some tape dope on it, and screwed it back in. This worsened the leak. Close observation of the sensor with the car running revealed there is actually a crack in the engine where the temperature sensor screws in. I think this is the intake manifold. I also think that replacing it is a big deal: cost and time wise. Anybody run into this before? Advice?

Thanks,

My daughter's 2003 Monte Carlo was leaking water; and, I noticed water near the temperature sensor. So, I removed it, put some tape dope on it, and screwed it back in. This worsened the leak. Close observation of the sensor with the car running revealed there is actually a crack in the engine where the temperature sensor screws in. I think this is the intake manifold. I also think that replacing it is a big deal: cost and time wise. Anybody run into this before? Advice?

Thanks,

the coolant should be removed/drained sensor removed crack cleaned with a non residue cleaner like MAF cleaner and then using high temp rtv insert the ECT sensor with ample amount of rtv on threads.. use hair dryer to heat up the area.. let sit overnight and refill coolant and cross fingers... also do not over tighten screw in till reisistance is felt then go 1/2 turn.....it will not unscrew with rtv on threads or leak at threads screw it too far the intake manifold crack will get bigger.........

Thanks for the reply j cAT.

Your solution sounds interesting; but, as it turns out, we took the car to a repair shop and they replaced the lower intake manifold. Cost my daughter $775, but she opted for this option over my suggestion that we try one of the newer metal adhesives to see if it would hold. She didn't want to deal with the possibility of it leaking again and leaving her stranded.