Any common coolant leaks on p-side of 3.8?

[Fuergrissa]

I know that leaks are common from the lower plenum on the drivers side where the TB coolant circulates, but what about on the belt side of the motor? It looks like it is coming from the LP gasket, but it's right above the water pump, so that could be the culprit as well, although if it were I wouldn't expect to see the coolant so far above the water pump. Is there any coolant circulating through the lower Plenum in that area? I can't recall from when I did the UIP gasket. There is a 90degree tube connecting the LP to the bracket that holds the WP or tensioner or something, is that carrying coolant? The leak looks to be coming from that or slightly below, (the LP gasket) but I'd like to be more sure before I tear it apart and order stuff, since it's a pretty big job.

car is an 05' impala 9C3 (police) with the 3.8 NA

[oldblu65]

There are two plastic 90 degree elbows that come out of the block and actually go through the belt tensioner assembly . These elbows are inserted into their respective holes and are sealed only by O-rings .They are located in the area you mentioned . They may be the source of your leak ? They are available at your local parts store ( got mine at Autozone ) are are fairly cheap .You have to be very careful when installing them as they are easily damaged and will leak if that happens . What I did was to get the same size bolts as what secures the assy. to the block but in a much longer size ( 6 '' if I remember correctly , also cutting off the hex head portion giving more needed length ) , put the plastic elbows into the respective holes in the assy. ( lubricating the o-rings first ) , then insert the longer bolts through the assy. , lightly tightening them into the engine block , then slowly slide the assy. toward the engine , aligning the elbows and carefullly inserting them until properly seated . Once you're sure all is correct , remove the lower long bolt and replace it with one of the original bolts and hand tighten it down . Then replace the upper bolt with the other original bolt and hand tighten it down . You can then properly tighten them both to the proper torque value as needed . Once the coolant levels are filled back to the required level , start the engine and check for any leaks . The long bolts help hold up the weight of the assy. as you try to carefully position the elbows . This weight will quickly start to feel enormous and make it more difficult ( by the minute ) to accomplish a proper job. By cutting the heads off the long temporary bolts , it allows you to insert the bolts into the engine first , then slide the assy. onto the bolts to hold the weight as well as ensuring the assy is properly aligned when you actually install it . I hope my description of the procedure wasn't too confusing ? The elbows can be found at Autozone ( or store of your choice ) and are on the AZ website and are listed as Dorman / heater hose fittings / part # 47065 and the cost is listed at $ 3.99 ! Good luck and keep us updated !

[Fuergrissa]

thanks that's probably what it is then and yes I understand, you described it very well. I'll get those elbows along with the gaskets tomorrow when I start on it. will it need any silicone rtv anywhere, sand do you remember the thread pitch/diameter for those bolts? Wish I had a FSM.