GP Pontiac 98

[proscroby]

I am having a leak but I cannot get under the car and I have back and doctor problems. I wish to see a picture of the engine to see what I may be having under there. I have to get it fixed but I do not have a mechanic any more and may have to get the dealer (expensive). I just want to see but as a result of latest health I cannot check on the library.


Thanks.

[Stealthee]

We need more info. What is leaking? Is it coolant, is it oil, is it transmission fluid, is it power steering fluid?

[proscroby]

Thanks for the reply by you. I found out that it is a coolant leak and I think it is the water pump leaking. I now will have a look from the forum and see if there is a how to help. I will get the parts and have a go at it. It may take two or three days, but I have the time to do it. I am at a retired man and keeps looking on my GP - it has only 82,769 miles in my 1998 gm.

[Stealthee]

The water pump sucks to do. I'm pretty sure you're going to have to do the coolant elbows because of having to remove the water pump. On that note, verify it is not the elbows leaking so you don't go buying an unneeded water pump. I upgraded to the Dorman aluminum coolant elbows when I had my GP.

[Blue Bowtie]

This may help demonstrate what is involved. Note that the intake removal is NOT necessary ro change the coolant elbows, but this is the clearest photo I had showing their locations.




The lower/rear elbow is not shown but its location is indicated. The alternator bracket and alternator will need to be removed to access and replace the rear elbow. As Stealthee indicated, it would be prudent to replace the original plastic pieces with the updated aluminum die cast type.

It may also be a good time to closely inspect the water pump. For a minimal cost for a remanufactured pump, and if there is any doubt (and less chance that you would want to go at it again soon), replacement may be a sound decision.