another coolant question

[mike561]

im going to have my mechanic pressure test the coolant i geuss how you do it, because the coolant resivior tank is always draining empty after i fill it, i geussing there might be a leak somewhere then? ill have the coolant flushed completely and then will the pressure test show if theres any leakage or problems? my gp has 110k miles by the way

[wlkjr]

Have you done an oil analysis?

[mike561]

nope, shoud i have that done too?

[StevePT]

Is your motor a 3.1L?

If so you have the classic lower intake manifold gasket failure. The gaskets can be had for around $50 for the set and the job takes a good day's worth of work.

The problem is the coolant crossover passage on the LH side of the engine is leaking coolant into the valley.

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by mike561

nope, shoud i have that done too?

A $20 oil analysis should tell you if you are getting antifreeze into your oil. I just did an oil analysis on my mother's 2001 Century with the 3.1 with just 40,000 miles on it and the potassium was 122 which is really high. I'm afraid she is due for the gasket job.

[mike561]

actually my engine is the 3.8 liter supercharged, but would that be the same thing though?

[wlkjr]

I'm not as familiar with the gasket woes as some of the others are, but I think the 3.1's are worse than the 3.8's are. Still, an oil analysis will tell you a lot about your oil and also the wear of your engine.

[mike561]

alright, ill mention these things to my mechanic then, just so i have an idea of whats goin on and what kind of work im expecting to be done. thanks for your help.