Low Coolant Light

[TheDeal526]

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE, V6 3.1L 111,000 miles.

So every couple of months I notice my grand am's low coolant light decides to come on. It's terribly hard to check the coolant level in my reserve tank. The manual says to shake the car a bit to spot the coolant level, but the tank is just to dark. I haven't noticed any over heating problems, and the heat inside works fine. The light recently came on yesterday. I'm pretty sure the coolant was low because when I opened the reserve tank I didn't see any coolant in the hole you pour it in. So I'm sure I have a leak someone, I just can't see any visible signs of any external leaks. This has me worrying I have an internal leak.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? By the way I checked the oil, thinking if it was an internal leak I would notice the oil becoming milky or something. But the oil looked normal. Any ideas?

Thanks All!

[cboy2us]

check around your intake manifold.

[rosaritomanny]

Go to either autozone or kragens (any auto store that rents tools) and rent a coolant pressure tester. Fill the car with water and pressurize the system. check the cap for max pressure. If your system has a leak it will come out when it is pressurized. you will see the needle drop slowly after you pressurize it. use a flashlight and try to locate the leak.

[xeroinfinity]

Thier are many places these engines leak coolant.
Visible usualy around/under the TB, and where it might run down the block by the starter.
The nonvisble areas are the L intake gaskets which can leak coolant in the oil or into the exhaust.

Also if an air pocket gets in your cooling system it can force coolant out the overflo on the resevoir.

[d_rank]

Well I have a theory on this. If you are still using that crappy orange coolant it is eating away at your system. They say that stuf is good for 100,000 miles but in reality its only good for about 10,000 -15,000. It cause sludge to build up which in turn makes your gaskets deteriate and you will have coolant mixing in with your oil. Thats where I think your coolant is slowly dissapearing to. I would suggest the before mentioned pressure test and if thats ok you should probably check into getting your coolant system flushed and go back to the good old green Peak coolant.

[crazy Jim]

I just thought I would mention this as the OP never really said for sure whether or not the system was actually losing coolant. My wifes '02 Impala 3.8L kept tripping the "Low Coolant level" warning light but each time I would check the fluid level it was not low. Finally I took the sensor out of the radiator and cleaned it and reinstalled it. This was several years ago and the light has never come back on. I know the OPs system is slightly different from the Impalas but its easy enough to do to see if it takes care of the warning light issue.

[TheDeal526]

Hey everyone thanks for all the info. I did notice coolant around the engine when I checked the other day. I took pictures, if anyone knows how to put pictures on this thread; I would like to know so I can post them here. But for now the coolant I noticed at the front of the engine between the power steering pump and water pump. I also noticed coolant at the rear of the engine under that hose connecting the radiator and thermostat housing. In both areas I noticed the engine looks moist. I'm afraid that I may have the LIM problem.

Oh, I almost forgot the cooling system was flushed 3 months ago, and I used the extended life green coolant.

[LoMbArD]

Originally Posted by d_rank

Well I have a theory on this. If you are still using that crappy orange coolant it is eating away at your system. They say that stuf is good for 100,000 miles but in reality its only good for about 10,000 -15,000. It cause sludge to build up which in turn makes your gaskets deteriate and you will have coolant mixing in with your oil. Thats where I think your coolant is slowly dissapearing to. I would suggest the before mentioned pressure test and if thats ok you should probably check into getting your coolant system flushed and go back to the good old green Peak coolant.

Yep, that's what happened to mine. . .hope yours isn't the same.

[neonnight34609]

i just did lower intake gaskets on my 3.1 i dont think that the coolant is to blame its just a poor gasket design . thick plastic with rubber is what the gaskets are made from and get very brittle with the constant heat and cooling of the engine.. the new gaskets are rubber on metal , much better after market design . i seen some new kits complete with all gaskets and bolts on ebay for 33 buxs with free shipping GREAT DEAL. but if this is where yours is leaking be ready for a day of throwing and cleaning parts ..

[3100]

Don't forget tread lock (blue) around LIM bolts, or you will have to repeat this very soon again. Make sure you fallow bolt tightening pattern and required torque for both upper and lower bolts. When you finish fill up reservoir and leave cap open let engine run until it gets warm and you see coolant starting to raise up this is to push out trapped air from the cooling system.

[crazy Jim]

thread

[3100]

Gim you missed "follow"

[crazy Jim]

Originally Posted by 3100

Gim you missed "follow"

naw, I just didnt wanna bust your balls too much. By the way, welcome to AF

[xeroinfinity]

Actualy you are supposed to repalce the LI bolts when doing the LI procedure on the 3.1 & 3.4.
Around $50+ at the stealership. Some Napas/Car Quests carry them for about half that price.

And it does sound like your LI is leaking TheDeal526.