3100 v6 leaking coolant from timing chain gasket?

[jamc204]

Last week, my mechanic replaced the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets on my Grand Prix SE (3100 V6) because they were leaking coolant.

I drove the car to work only to find that it was leaking coolant again. I couldn't tell where it was coming from, so I took it back to the shop. This time they said it was leaking coolant from the timing chain cover gasket.

I'm not a mechanic, so I've been doing some digging to see if this is legitimate. I know that the timing chain should be surrounded by oil, but from what I've read, the timing chain cover also holds back coolant on the 3100 (as was also explained by the mechanic). Is this the case?

Thanks,

Joe

[tblake]

That is the case, but have you looked into the waterpump? They are more prone to leaks that the front cover gasket.

[richtazz]

it's rare, but the gasket between the block and timing cover around the water passages can fail. I agree with Tim that the water pump is a more common failure, but if the timing cover gasket is leaking, coolant can get in the oil as well as cause an external leak.

[gonesouth]

I wonder if they removed the thermostat bypass pipe to access the UIM, LIM gaskets. If the o-ring fails on the pipe where it mounts to the timing cover, it could look like the front of the cover is leaking.

If it's not leaking too bad, could you get a second opinion?

I also agree with rich and tblake. I'd look at the water pump too.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by gonesouth

I wonder if they removed the thermostat bypass pipe to access the UIM, LIM gaskets.......

Yes they would have as you cannot gain access to the valve cover without removing it. Good point.