Massive coolant loss

[LMP]

....and now, a massive coolant loss, almost empties 1 gallon in minutes. Seems to come from feed pipe to heater near and slightly ahead of right wheel well. Will verify in a day or 2....
WIfe adamant that I must quit fixing......but I will prevail !
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[LMP]

OK...coolant loss cause found: this is the "fitting, coolant bypass to intake manifold", part 162 at page 6A7-4 of the shop manual.

THis is a plastic fitting, and it is totally cut...will post a photo later.

AHh..this has been discussed before, begining at post #3 below
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=771790

[LMP]

OK...DORMAN replacement part number was in the former thread...asked the parts store here by the number and will get it tomorrow... C$ 9.00

[LMP]

DOne. Back on the road. If you are still rolling a 3.8 and have not changed this plastic fitting for the metal one, do not get too far away. This is an easy repair that can save a lot of problems.

[Jeffrv]

Lmp, I am surprised that plastic fitting lasted that long, 7 or 8 years appears to be the norm. Certainly that is when mine cracked.

[LMP]

Maybe my low mileage can be a factor...after 22 years it has 190000 km (118000 miles) only. Since I had also another car, it has been hangared during a few winters, then saving cold/hot thermal shocks. I do not know if it was only cracked for some time cause I had to add coolant regularly, without being able to identify the origin of the leak. As said in the lionk dated 2007, the repair is easy, just putting the alternator aside without even touching the electrical connections. Removal of the broken part that was left in the threads of the manifold was not too difficult too: I forced a wood chisel straight into the plastic and then was able to uncrew . Just my aching back suffered a little....

[Tech II]

LMP, that was a good trick for removal...