2002 Coolant Leak... bypass hose to blame?

[kdmitchell]

Hello All....

I've been searching the net for the past several days, thanks to my 2002 Regal suddenly starting to lose coolant. I took it to my cousin who's a mechanic and we looked around the car for a good bit and we couldn't figure out where it was leaking from. We checked the water pump and hose's, nothing was found.



However I noticed that between the intake manifold was some coolant and sure enough, there's where it's coming from. So I started looking for why this would happen and noticed there was a bulletin on this but no recall, wonderful. I even found an image of the issue, but I'm pretty sure most Buick Regal owners with the Series II 3800 already know where I'm going.




Problem is my cousin has never worked on this engine before and he isn't sure how to go about fixing it. Do we need to tear the engine apart or can we simply remove the alternator and water put? If anyone's even done the work or paid to have it done at the dealer, could you please let me know... last time I need is for this to start destroying my gaskets.

Thanks

[stripe]

I believe that that connects to the tension pulley.
The tension piece came with a new elbow as well. aprox $25.

Peed me off as I got it after I paid $20 for the elbow.

Take off the fan belt, 2 or 3 bolts on pulley and replace.

1/2 hour total time.

Cheers
Stripe

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

Visit our Buick Tips & Maintenance subforum which covers the two bypass elbows, tensioner, and R&R. Also, has the GM part numbers. Use the OE GM elbows only which come with the proper o-ring seals. See link below.

Click here