97 GTP Small ELBOW hose replacement?

[GPGTPme]

Dear GPers,
My 1997 GTP w/227,000 miles, just blew the small 90 degree ELBOW hose that was part of the COOLING SYSTEM. It was attached to the front of the block then turned 90' towards the fire wall and attached to what looks like part of the alternator housing to allow for water to run back towards the fire wall, I'm guessing into the heater? I need to know if I can replace this small ELBOW pipe/hose easily, or will the alternator bracket have to come off or that water pump. I purchased a "heater hose fiting" from Advance Auto Parts as the part guy said that this was the part, but... the package came with two different small plastic "pipes" and neither of them can be easily POPPED in. I don't know how to attache a photo or I'd include one. The area where this small hose/pipe was, was under the NOSE of the Super Charger at the front of the block just forward and under the alternator. Any info you can provide about repair would be greatly appreciated. I became a member of AF many years ago, but my original email address became defunct after the phone company merged, so I had to re-subscribe.
Thank You,
Mike

[BNaylor]

There are two plastic coolant bypass elbows and both should be replaced. Also, there are o-ring seals on each end of the elbows. Did you get those? The smaller elbow goes between the tensioner assembly and water pump. The bigger elbow goes from tensioner to lower intake manifold.

You will have to remove the alternator and the brackets in the way. See link below which has a tech procedure applicable to a L36 or L67 SII 3800 engine.

Click here

And welcome to AF.

[GPGTPme]

Thanks BNayler... This is perfect, however, I didn't keep the old pipe from the water pump to the alternator braket. I tried to just push this pipe on, without taking off the alternator and bracket and find that this pipe has DIFFERENT SIZE maile fittings... one with BLUE o ring and one with RED. Do you know which color goe's where. I think the larger BLUE ring goes into the alternator bracket housing back to the heater hoses, but, I t seems very difficult to get in there.

Has there ever been anyone that has been able just to replace the TOP pipe WITHOUT removing the alternator and bracket?

Thanks again for all of your expert assistance.
Mike

[tblake]

Your better off to replace both at the same time. Removing the alternator is the only way to even get at the easy one because the belt tensioner will have to be unbolted and moved out of the way. Just be gentle when removeing. To put them in, lubricate the orings with a some clean coolant, then they should be able to just slip in. I had no problems with mine.

[tblake]

BTW, they are known to break apart when trying to get the old ones out. So make sure you dig out all the pieces before you go and shove the new ones in.