small pools of intake coolant

[gpdoug]

I have a 1999 Supercharged GP. I'm getting ready to go on a long road trip so I'm topping off fluids. I then notice dried antifreeze at the corners of the lower intake manifold and small pools of coolant on the LIM galleys .

My Question is: Is this serious? Can it be put off for 2,000mi? The usual culprit is the O-rings that link to the throttle body right? Will any coolant get into the engine?

I think I will drive it and fix later. What is eveyone's opinion?

[richtazz]

Make sure your oil isn't getting cloudy, or you'll risk damaging your engine. The supercharged engine doesn't fail like the upper intake on normally aspirated 3800's, but when the lower intake starts to leak out the ends, it's only a matter of time before the coolant goes where it's not supposed to and will do serious damage. I'm not sure how much coolant your losing, but if you have to add it often, I'd advise against the trip. If it's just seeping and you're not noticing coolant loss often, then you should be ok.

[BNaylor]

Any supercharger or lower intake manifold problem when there is visible signs of coolant leaking is serious. It is up to you to put it off for 2K miles but I'd consider getting it repaired sooner rather than later. Normally it is the two o-rings for the passages that feed coolant to the throttle body but it is in combination with the main supercharger gasket and possible the throttle body gasket. Most of the coolant leak will be seen on the driver's side of the SC and LIM. The only way to tell for sure is when the supercharger is removed and then you can inspect the LIM and its gaskets. See pic below:



BTW - Also, check to make sure the thermostat housing is not leaking and the cause.

[gpdoug]

Thanks for the help and the pictures. I will go hunt for the thermostat housing and the cause of the leak.

When I looked before, I noticed the sticky coolant on the LIM on the passenger side and the pooling in the center bottom between the S/C and the valve cover.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by gpdoug

Thanks for the help and the pictures. I will go hunt for the thermostat housing and the cause of the leak.

When I looked before, I noticed the sticky coolant on the LIM on the passenger side and the pooling in the center bottom between the S/C and the valve cover.

For thermostat housing just follow the upper radiator hose to the intake manifold below the throttle body. The leaking on the right side (passenger) sounds more like the lower intake manifold gaskets. Also, there is a 90 degree plastic elbow from the LIM to tensioner that could leak coolant.

In the interim you could check the torque of the supercharger to LIM mounting bolts. 17 ft-lbs.

[gpdoug]

The thermostat and plastic elbow are both dry. The coolant is more towards the nose of the S/C (passanger side). It is right next to the first two fuel injectors closest to the nose.

While I was poking around, I noticed a quiet grinding noise which I isolated to the S/C nose. It is not loud but it is definately there. This would be a seperate problem though and I will search the forums on it. Oh, and the last time I changed my S/C oil was 40,000 miles ago and have topped it off every 10,000.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by gpdoug

The thermostat and plastic elbow are both dry. The coolant is more towards the nose of the S/C (passanger side). It is right next to the first two fuel injectors closest to the nose.

While I was poking around, I noticed a quiet grinding noise which I isolated to the S/C nose. It is not loud but it is definately there. This would be a seperate problem though and I will search the forums on it. Oh, and the last time I changed my S/C oil was 40,000 miles ago and have topped it off every 10,000.

Although concerning, the coolant leak doesn't sound that bad. I've seen worse.

If you remove the SC belt and spin the pulley by hand it should be pretty quite. If you still hear a noise it could be the snout bearings. I've replaced mine and the snout seal.

Rule of thumb we all follow is SC oil change out annually. It is a mess doing it DIY but worth it in the long run. It will make a difference in keeping the supercharger going above 100K miles.

[gpdoug]

The coolant is just below the wire you see in the circle. Looks the same on the other side.

[amesjm0431]

I have coolant pooling in the same spot in the above picture. I cannot determine where it is leaking from and I would like to know what the problem is before taking it in to be repaired. I have a 2001 GTP with approx 107k miles. Also, I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on what I should be fixing or normal maintenance for over 100k miles.

[jeepgclwj]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Although concerning, the coolant leak doesn't sound that bad. I've seen worse.

If you remove the SC belt and spin the pulley by hand it should be pretty quite. If you still hear a noise it could be the snout bearings. I've replaced mine and the snout seal.

Rule of thumb we all follow is SC oil change out annually. It is a mess doing it DIY but worth it in the long run. It will make a difference in keeping the supercharger going above 100K miles.

Is there somewhere I can go to see how to do the sc oil change or a link....I want to go aheaD AND DO ALL THE STUFF THAT SHOULD BE DONE JUST IN CASE IT WAS NEVER DONE...

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jeepgclwj

Is there somewhere I can go to see how to do the sc oil change or a link....I want to go aheaD AND DO ALL THE STUFF THAT SHOULD BE DONE JUST IN CASE IT WAS NEVER DONE...

See tech procedure below to give you an idea. Stop at oil removal and continue at resupply. Good luck.

Click here

You'll need two 4 oz bottle of GM SC Oil, Part Number 12345982. I get mine for around $7 per bottle.