Coolant Problem

My 2001 3.4L v6 is losing coolant pretty fast. I cannot find an external leack so it must be internal. If I opent he oil cap there is a white gummy substance that the oil change place says it moisture and it is not a problem. I have looked at many of the posts and they point to a possible bad lower intake manifold gasket. How do I verify that this is the problem and if it is what are the negatives of not fixing it.

Also if the lower intake manifold gasket does needs replaced, where can I find a manual that shows how to do this.

Its your intake gasket and that goo on the oil cap is a huge problem! Its a real good idea to change the gasket as soon as possible! If you wait to long your lifters will get clogged making a real nice lifter tick and eventually your head gasket will blow out. The intake gasket is a simple job so do it before other things go wrong and the bill adds up fast!

Thats the same problem I had and I kept bringing it back to where I bought it..my post is under 1999 Engine Problems...I also have the 3.4 litre 6 cyl..and I am at the point of needing a new engine... since the mechanic kept telling me no problems that he could find..which I found this site earlier :mad: I have someone at GM working on it for me thru the Goodwill program but since Olds is out of production Im not having alot of luck and found a used engine with 12K miles for 1495 with shipping from MidCity Auto Salvage which maybe my only option

I already got a lifter ticking when I start the car. It goes away after about a minute or so.

Where can I get a manual for this model of car?

Get the Haynes manual for the 99-2000 Grand Am and Alero. Since you have the V6 not much changed between those model years. It will show you how to do it. It's not a hard job it just takes time. I've done about 4 now and the fastest I've done it was about 4 1/2 hours. You definatly have the leak get it fixed asap.

I have the same problem and I do have the oil slug under the coolant cap.. Also I've had to replace the Cat converter twice and think it needs replaced again (replaced twice within a year) Cold the water leak have anything to do with the cat going out?


Anyone else have their air compressor go out, it made a funny noise for about a week then it released the freon.... God I can't wait to get rid of this car........

I have the same problem and I do have the oil slug under the coolant cap.. Also I've had to replace the Cat converter twice and think it needs replaced again (replaced twice within a year) Could the water leak have anything to do with the cat going out?


Anyone else have their air compressor go out, it made a funny noise for about a week then it released the freon.... God I can't wait to get rid of this car........