Low Coolant Light

gtpsleeper · #1 03-10-2005, 10:43 AM

I have a 97 GTP. My "Low Coolant Light" comes on from time to time. I started by adding some anti-freeze to the coolant resivor. That helped for the time being. The light came on again in a week or so. I added anti-freeze to the radiator and the resivor this time. This has been going on for about 3 weeks now and it still seems to use the coolant. I do not see any signs of leakage in my garage. I have a friend who said the 3800 is known to have the intake gaskets go bad. I called a shop and they kinda said the same thing and that they would charge about $500 to fix the issue. I called the parts store and I can get the part for $50-70. If that is the problem I will need to find some instructions or directions if anyone else has ever replaced this on their own. I have been reading some other posts in here and there was talk about the water pump as well. If there is anything else I can check for potential issues please let me know. If you have any questions, I would be happy to give you more information.

Thanks,

Mike

ericvrose · #2 03-10-2005, 11:58 AM

Is your coolant level actually really low? The sensor goes bad all the time and is fixable free.

gtpsleeper · #3 03-10-2005, 06:40 PM

I never really checked I guess. The resivor seems to be low though as I have been adding to that.

71surfus · #4 03-10-2005, 06:46 PM

Definitely not a pro at this.But yes, it seems that all GM motors with this type of upper and lower intake manifold system can have something of problem with losing coolant and, in time start to run warmer. The way I was told to check it out, keep putting in coolant in and no floor spots, the exhaust feels moist and when the bleeder valve on the water pump keeps blowing air then coolant, tighten it wait a while loosen again and air blows. The leak could be at the lower intake.Which is what I went through. (I mean AM going through!) Good Luck

hardywang · #5 03-11-2005, 08:32 AM

Intake leak is a common problem in N/A 3.8L engines. It is rare in S/C 3.8L.

71surfus · #6 03-11-2005, 09:33 AM

Now you tell me. Oh found out the engine in the wifey`s car 3.1 not 3.8. It says so right on top upper intake-cast right in there. She thought that because the one she wrecked was a 3.8, naturally this one would be also.

stlwagon · #7 03-11-2005, 10:52 AM

Intake manifold leaks are very common on all 3.8 engines. You'll find many here with s/c engines who have had them leak.

gtpsleeper · #8 03-13-2005, 08:36 AM

I noticed the other day that there is a puddle of anti-freeze under the car on the passenger side. Also when I open the hood to add more coolant, there seems to be a lot of spray over on the passenger side of the engine. The liquid is getting on the belts and stuff. Could this be water pump perhaps? How hard is it to replace the water pump?

Thanks in advance!

stlwagon · #9 03-13-2005, 10:28 AM

I'd say you almost certainly have a failing waterpump. Not a real tough do-it-yourself job.

BIG-L · #10 03-13-2005, 11:52 AM

Quote:

The liquid is getting on the belts and stuff.

The anti-freeze will start to eat at the belts,so it best to replace them at the same time as the water pump.

~Larry~

gtpsleeper · #11 03-13-2005, 02:42 PM

Thanks for the advice. Does anyone know where I can find any sort of instructions to tackle this myself? Would you recommend that I bring the car in to a shop and have it done?

Thanks.

gtpsleeper · #12 03-20-2005, 10:46 AM

I brought the car in the other day to my favorite mechanic and he replaced the water pump for me. I also had power sterring seal that was bad. He also changed two pulleys and the belt. Changed the oil and degreased the whole engine compartment all for $340. I thought that was well worth it! He did not have any supercharger oil so I will be changing that myself.

Thanks for all you r help and I look forward to reading good stuff in the future!

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