98 Grand Prix coolant leak

bob95 · 06-03-2008, 07:58 PM

Hey - I'm new to the forum & need some help. 1998 Grand Prix 3.8L non-turbocharged, ~135,000 miles. Started leaking coolant about a month ago - small puddles underneath the car on the passenger side just inside the wheel. I filled up the coolant a couple of times & and was ok for a while, but the leaking is getting worse. Hasn't been running hot until today when it got up above 210F. I can't see where the leak is coming from, but I took some pics of the area where I can see coolant puddling - see below. I don't think it's the radiator. Wanted to get some advice before I go further. Could it the water pump?

General area of the leak:

http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/.../of=50,590,442

Close up to show where coolant is puddling - passenger side of the engine.
http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/.../of=50,590,442

Thanks

tblake · 06-03-2008, 08:12 PM

your leak sounds like the same thing leaking at this post....

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=906541

Check it out, I'm fairly positive thats your problem also.

bob95 · 06-03-2008, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Read the thread - should be able to start the car, let it come up to temperature, and then the leak(s) from the elbow should be visible?

tblake · 06-03-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob95

Thanks for the quick reply. Read the thread - should be able to start the car, let it come up to temperature, and then the leak(s) from the elbow should be visible?

I'm not sure I understand....

I think you might have read it wrong....

Sometimes the coolant elbows crack so slightly that they only leak when the motor is warm.

And there are two elbows, one cant hardly be seen at all without removing the alternator. Nonetheless, they are very easy to replace, and more than likely will fix your problem.

Dont forget you'll have to bleed the cooling system when your done (which can be time consuming).

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