Beretta 3100 engine coolant leak

[dieterschmied]

I have a 1996 Beretta 3100 engine (90,000 miles) that has a substantial coolant leak near the rear of the engine and possibly where the heads meet the block, but I can't be sure.

Did this model have any history of head gasket failures? Are there any pitfalls that I should be looking for in replacing the head gaskets, which is what I am suspecting?

Are there any pointers as to the procedure?

I would appreciate any comments from those that have had experience with this problem and engine.

My email, if you prefer direct contact , is dieterschmied@gmail.com .

Thanks

[aleekat]

I would guess your heater hoses that run into the firewall to the heater core.

[Tech II]

I agree, if it's a substantial leak, then the source should be pinpointed before assuming a head gasket...

[dieterschmied]

I had already disconnected the heater hoses at the firewall. The leak source is higher.

[dieterschmied]

Originally Posted by Tech II

I agree, if it's a substantial leak, then the source should be pinpointed before assuming a head gasket...

I don't understand the reply. Who are you agreeing with?

[rhandwor]

Originally Posted by Tech II

I agree, if it's a substantial leak, then the source should be pinpointed before assuming a head gasket...

Get a free rental pressure tester at Auto Zone or Advanced. Pressurize the syatem and look for the leak.

[dieterschmied]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

Get a free rental pressure tester at Auto Zone or Advanced. Pressurize the syatem and look for the leak.

Why would I need a pressure tester with a substantial leak?

[rhandwor]

Originally Posted by dieterschmied

Why would I need a pressure tester with a substantial leak?

Normally a leaking head gasket will have deposits along the edges. Otherwise it will smoke. If you can see the leak why ask what to do?
The intake is above the head gasket area. These are prone to leak also.

[dieterschmied]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

Normally a leaking head gasket will have deposits along the edges. Otherwise it will smoke. If you can see the leak why ask what to do?


The intake is above the head gasket area. These are prone to leak also.

I had heard that there are two gaskets that are prone to leak on the 3.8 GM engine, and that one or both of these gaskets are notorious for leaking coolant. These leaks can cause the engine to seize. I am familiar with the common configuration of older v8 engines, which seldom have significant coolant leaks at the intake manifold. I have never disassembled the GM 3.8 v6 and the remarks that I heard we re not explained in detail. That is why I posed the question. Presently, I have two of these engines; one is seized and the other is pouring coolant.
There is a different symptom for each and I could possibly repair the obvious engine defect and and overlook a potential defect that could have been addressed while the engine is apart.

[SleepyHead98]

If you are refering to the 3.1L GM engine having a problem? yes. The lower intake manifolds are notorious for leaking at the coolant jackets because of gasket degradation. There is a seller on ebay who has a aluminum reinforced gasket for sale. They leak. leak leak. Is it your current leak? I dont know, I would have to see the car for myself. Change the coolant out once a year.Usually unless you have flushed the system right when you got the car, the dexcool has eaten up the plastic intake manifold gasket. There has already been a lawsuit about this. Me personally Im going to try the aluminum reinforced gasket.

[Tech II]

As suggested, get a pressure tester, to "pinpoint" the leak, rather than guess....

Big difference between 3.1 and 3.8 engines....... you do not have a 3.8....

[SleepyHead98]

Yeah this thread is old.


So did you figure it out? I put my money down on lower intake and or head gasket.

Felpro makes a pretty serious gasket set, 100 bucks. Ive put two of them on different vehicles, never had any problems. Update on myself, I no longer use dexcool at all period end of story. Prestone is a dex clone. same stuff. I just bought the walmart junk 8 dollars a gal. Why? It had two less ingredients than dexcool. not sure if those two ingredients help or hurt . The key with these engines, is to not let air get into the coolant system, and dont let the coolant get old. Keep it fresh and your good. Toyota also uses dexcool FYI.