'97 Grand Prix GT Help Heater problem - Page 2

helicopter23 · #16 02-07-2007, 03:00 PM

I checked the coolant and it was bone dry. I put coolant in it and the heat was coming out HOT. I still need to work on the blower because levels 1-4 don't work.

Thanks for the help.

BNaylor · #17 02-07-2007, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helicopter23

I Agree I think its the blower motor resistor because levels 1-4 on the blower are "dead". If I took this to a GM dealer how much would a new blower motor resistor cost to replace with labor?

Are you DIY capable? If you are you can save on the labor costs which could be up to two hours labor charge at the dealer's hourly labor rate for electrical. We can post a procedure with pics. The GM dealer will charge top dollar for the resistor around $50 when you can get one cheaper. AZ has the Wells brand for around $25-$30.

helicopter23 · #18 02-07-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Are you DIY capable? If you are you can save on the labor costs which could be up to two hours labor charge at the dealer's hourly labor rate for electrical. We can post a procedure with pics. The GM dealer will charge top dollar for the resistor around $50 when you can get one cheaper. AZ has the Wells brand for around $25-$30.

Post the part # for the blower motor resistor and I will buy it at autozone. I will have someone I know do it on the side, if they are mechanic and know what they are doing how long should it take them?

BNaylor · #19 02-07-2007, 04:58 PM

Wells PN: DR783, $19.99.

Tech procedure below. About one hour. Good luck.

Click here

helicopter23 · #20 02-08-2007, 04:05 PM

I checked my coolant today and I have a coolant leak. The tank was almost empty from filling it just 24 hours ago.

BNaylor · #21 02-09-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helicopter23

I checked my coolant today and I have a coolant leak. The tank was almost empty from filling it just 24 hours ago.

That doesn't sound good. Do you see any external leaking? You are either leaking the coolant out externally or internally which will require a closer inspection. Look for coolant on the ground and any leaks from cooling system components and the engine. If no external leaking is found then coolant is being consumed internally. In that scenario most likely upper intake manifold or lower intake manifold gasket problems. Since you have a '97 model a UIM problem may be likely due to the EGR stovepipe problem on '95-'98 GM cars with the SII 3800.

Check it out as soon as possible because if the coolant loss is internal through the intake system it may cause the engine to hydro lock and blow the engine.

helicopter23 · #22 02-10-2007, 03:31 PM

I took my car to my mechanic and he fixed the blower, he put it a blower motor resistor and it's now working on all levels. He told me I have a coolant leak in the intake gasket and the valve cover gaskets, he told me if the coolant gets into the oil I will have serious problems, is he correct?

Also how long should this job take, he told me 6-7 hours to remove the gaskets to fix the leak and about $300 for labor with basically no parts, is this a good deal?

BNaylor · #23 02-10-2007, 03:53 PM

Absolutely. You may get bearing failure...crankshaft, connecting rod, camshaft, valvetrain, etc. The bad part is coolant consumed internally via the UIM or LIM is bad enough. For a pro that is about right for both UIM and LIM. DIY may take you all day or two but you will save on labor costs. Stealership and Shops may charge upwards to $1K with parts for both UIM and LIM. The $300 labor doesn't sound bad as long as the work is done right and guaranteed. It will be a couple hundred for parts to include a new UIM plenum and all gaskets/hardware.

We have another thread going where one of our members is doing the UIM/LIM job DIY. Check it out when you get a chance.

helicopter23 · #24 02-10-2007, 04:24 PM

I've had this same coolant leak now for about 1 year that I know of because when I use to get my oil changed they would tell me. Wouldn't have I had problems with the above mentioned if it's been a year, can I just go without it?, what's the odds of something happening?

What is the UIM and LIM?

BNaylor · #25 02-10-2007, 04:37 PM

Where exactly is the coolant leak?

UIM = Upper Intake Manifold
LIM = Lower Intake Manifold

helicopter23 · #26 02-10-2007, 06:16 PM

I don't know exactly where it is. Where is the leak usually worse to have in the UIM or LIM?

BNaylor · #27 02-11-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helicopter23

I don't know exactly where it is. Where is the leak usually worse to have in the UIM or LIM?

The original issue for '95-'98 GM cars with the SII 3800 was the UIM and an EGR stovepipe problem causing a meltdown, damaged coolant passages and loss of coolant. However, the LIM gaskets could give you the same problem which is an unexplained loss of coolant. In your case the UIM needs to be removed to see why you have the coolant loss since it does not appear to be an external leak. Then an assessment can be made. No guarantee you will be able to get by with the problem. The issue should be looked at as soon as you can.

xeroinfinity · #28 02-11-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helicopter23

I've had this same coolant leak now for about 1 year that I know of because when I use to get my oil changed they would tell me. Wouldn't have I had problems with the above mentioned if it's been a year, can I just go without it?, what's the odds of something happening?

If the coolant has been leaking into the oil for that long...

that's not good

You bearings will get pretty scratched up from this.

That is a good price for labor too , like Bob said if its guaranteed.

Also check your resivior for cracks. I have seen may leak out the bottom/sides, possibley from freezing when not enough coolant was in there.
Just my

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