Register and join the largest automotive community online!
Please Register or Login to access: DriverSide DriverSide Home | Service & Repair | Car Prices | Parts & Accessories | Reviews & Advice | My Garage

98 Grand AM GT Coolant Leak


Google  
Web AF

freekie
09-24-2007, 05:13 PM
I have a massive coolant leak coming from what appears to be the Drip tube for the AC condensation. Im losing coolant fast. I put it in and it comes right back out this tube.. I THINK.. I cant get under the car very well to be sure but Im thinking the heater core? Any thoughts or think I should try to get a better view from underneath?

BigBlue77
09-24-2007, 06:04 PM
I would try and get a better look to be sure that where it coming from, not just running down the firewall from one of the heater core hoses. If it is in fact coming out of the drain tube, then yes, you heater core has a hole.

xeroinfinity
09-24-2007, 06:07 PM
Welcome to AF.

Does sound like a heater hose might be the leaker.
Not much else to leak coolant in that area...

Getting a better view will obviously help locate the problem.
Just use jack stands if you are going under :thumbsup:

freekie
09-29-2007, 10:50 AM
Thanks for the welcome and replies.

This is what I see after closer examination from underneath.

On Driver Side 2 Rubber hoses entering the Firewall. I believe these to be heater core. Passengers side 2 Steel Lines going to firewall. I believe these to be AC related. Under the 2 steel lines is a drain. My coolant is coming from there. So bad heater core?

Now Whats the best way to get to this thing? I found this link posted by xeroinfinity (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=359630) http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=672471 but its for the 99+ . Would it be similar?

What are sizes of the rubber hose going to the core? I would like to disconnect them from the core and join together to bypass the core so I can atleast drive it.

Thanks again for all your help.

xeroinfinity
09-29-2007, 12:07 PM
Yeah here are some removal procedures for your 98'.
The Zone (http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/09/d1/7f/0900823d8009d17f/repairInfoPages.htm)

Bypassing the hoses might cause your car to over heat .

A simple search of the GA forums found several threads on this topic. Like this one...
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=633585&highlight=heater+core+removal

Good Luck

freekie
09-30-2007, 05:20 PM
Well I got it done today. Took 4 hours. It had the OEM one in it and its really a poor design. The Inlet and outlet tubes are like a plastic and just push onto nipples on the Core. The plastic split where it connects to the cooler. The New one is all alluminum including the inlet and outlet tubes.

Thanks for all the help.

Add your comment to this topic!


Google  
Web AF