water leak 97 malibu 3.1

[aloharocky]

Ny neighbor bought a used car, and now it's leaking water. It appears to be coming from a bolt holding the intake to the block, on the front side of the engine. Is this a common thing for the 3.1? And can it be repaired by using thread sealer or teflon tape on the threads? He's reluctant to tear into the engine and looking for the quick-fix.On the other-hand, he's tired of adding water every day.

[quaddriver]

yes, no.

the intake bolts on a 3.1 are encased in rubber that squishes and seals when tightened.

you are gonna need an intake gasket.

now is a REAL GOOD time to replace all the gaskets on your way in, (which you have to do to 90% of them anyways) AND replace the water pump (whether it needs it or not) AND change the coolant from deathcool to green.

then you should be good to go.

[aloharocky]

Thanx for the guick response. I'll let him know right now and watch his sour face, lol.