Coolant Leak?

[darkcherrymetallic]

Hello,

I have a supercharged 2002 grand prix gtp. It was new when I bought it, but it's getting up there in age. My coolant lamp has been on for a while now. It seem to be loosing coolant slowly. Attached is a picture with red arrows pointing to the locations where green liquid (which I am assuming are coolant) are found. From my research on the web and on this forum I believe I have may have a problem with my intake manifold/gasket.

I would be extremely grateful if someone can tell me if I am correct. If so, is it difficult to fix it? Thanks for your time and help.

[GTP Dad]

Based on your pictures I would have to say that you have a leaking intake gasket. It is not difficult to change but it will take time since you have to remove so many parts to get to the gaskets themselves. The job can be done with ordinary hand tools and you will need a torque wrench and a tool to remove the fuel lines. Check the forum as there should be a write-up on how to change these gaskets. If not I suggest you look for a service manual that will give you the proper instructions on how to change these gaskets.

To have this done by a mechanic will cost between $600 and $1000.

[rickisrad]

I agree definately the intake gaskets leaking. use the aluminum gasket set and supercharger o rings from the dealer, while you are there pick up a tube of their black rtv- it works the best.

[darkcherrymetallic]

Thanks for the information. My intake gaskets were the cause of the problem. I replaced them along with a supercharger gaskets myself. As I was installing everything back and putting on my alternator, I found some one or two little yellow plugs in the crevices by the pulley and the below the alternator. I haven't the slightest clue where it (or they, i found this thing on two separate days, but I can't tell if it's the same one or another one) belongs on the engine or if it's just junk. Below are pictures of this darn thing. If someone knows what it is can you tell me before I start reconnecting all the electrical connections?

Your help is much appreciated.

[darkcherrymetallic]

Hi again. Unfortunately I have another problem. One of the holes for my intake manifold bolts must have gone bad. I can't screw in the bolt. From the picture below two threads on the screw are bent. I am hoping that this is considered minor. I did a little research online and was wondering if anyone of you would recommend using a tap tool to fix the threads in the hole. I don't want to make it worse? Is it doable or should I take it to the dealership?Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks again.

[inafogg]

Originally Posted by darkcherrymetallic

Hi again. Unfortunately I have another problem. One of the holes for my intake manifold bolts must have gone bad. I can't screw in the bolt. From the picture below two threads on the screw are bent. I am hoping that this is considered minor. I did a little research online and was wondering if anyone of you would recommend using a tap tool to fix the threads in the hole. I don't want to make it worse? Is it doable or should I take it to the dealership?Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks again.

i'd try a new bolt 1st it may be just the thread on bolt stopping it to screw in. if it still wont start get a tap & chase the threads in the block.
not a big problem just make sure you dont force it in.

you can cut the bolt end to make a thread chaser if a tap isnt available.

[darkcherrymetallic]

Thanks inafogg. I will try the tap first and if it fails I'll try drilling out the first two strips of the hole. I'll just have to figure a way to catch the metal shavings.

As far as the yellow plug that is in my question above, I think I figured out what they are. I went back to look around the area that I found it and theres a very clean area around the engine block which is about the size of the plug. When I placed the plug into the hole there it matches perfectly so I think its just a protection cover for the hex screw there. I hope this provides future information to others who come across them.

[darkcherrymetallic]

Just in case if someone ran into the same problem in the future, a tap doe the job wonderfully.

[rickisrad]

I was going to recommend getting a ported lower intake if the tap didn't fix the problem. Hows it running? make sure you torque the bolts in the correct sequence.