GTP Coolant Leak again...HELP

[GTP Version 2.0]

OK so after changing the LIM gaskets about 10K miles ago I have another coolant leak but I can’t figure out where. Something that I have noticed is that when the car is running I can see small droplets of coolant being flung upward by the accessory belt. I work night nows and sleep through the day so I have little time to search for the problem and need your guy's help as to where it could be. I definitely know that it is on the passenger side of the car due to the small drops of coolant I see every morning. PLEASE HELP!

[CrazyHorst]

A possibility is the water pump. Usually those are difficult to visualize due to the belts and the fact the drips can run via surface tension somewhere else. Oftentimes the seal is still good-enough to take the static pressure of the radiator but begin leaking under the fluid dynamics that happen when the impeller spins.

A crazy idea (?!!??) is to change the radiator cap in the interest of making sure the engine holds full static cooling system pressure and so it will find the "weak link" even when the engine is not running.

Of course the coolant elbow for the bypass and the heater flow control/tube fittings in the DFA tensioner bracket are the glass-filled nylon parts of suspect materials. Don't forget the DFA bracket also has o-ring seals that plug into machined ports...if the o-ring gets cut, etc...you will have leaks.

[GTP Version 2.0]

I checked the coolant elbows again and it looks like the one from the alternator is leaking slightly. I just changed them when I did the LIM gaskets which ticks me off. I got them from ZZP, does anyone suppose they are the same quality as there Garlock gaskets? Anyways does anyone have the GM part number for the elbows?

[CrazyHorst]

I have considered making my own from copper/brass materials, possibly Tig welded SS, basically just a duplicate of original but with the idea the metal would be more durable.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by GTP Version 2.0

Anyways does anyone have the GM part number for the elbows?

Do you mean the one from the tensioner assembly to the lower intake manifold? On the coolant bypass elbow use GM only. Plus they come with the right o-ring seals.

What year is your GTP? There are differences between '97-'98 and '99 and up on the tensioner assembly to water pump.

Elbow to Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) - GM Part # 24503423

[GTP Version 2.0]

I have a 97 GTP. I checked again and it doesn't seem like the elbows are leaking but I will replace them anyways. I am also going to replace the water pump as I know it was replaced about 80k miles ago and they used the crappy paper gaskets. I inspected all the pulleys and it seems that the water pump pulley is turning as soundly as the others. I am also replacing the radiator cap. This is really annoying me as every year when it begins to get colder that I run into a leaking problem with coolant. I thought about getting a UV detection kit but don't want to spend $35+ just for the light. Does anyone think it could be something else?

[GTP Version 2.0]

OK. I swapped out the coolant elbow, water pump and gasket, and radiator cap and so far so good. When I was in there I also swapped out the power steering pump as it looked like it had been leaking for some time. I need to also change the lines but I can't tell where the other end of the high pressure line goes. Anybody know?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by GTP Version 2.0

I need to also change the lines but I can't tell where the other end of the high pressure line goes. Anybody know?

The pressure line is the lower hose/connection you see at the rack and pinion steering gear assembly at the area where it connects to the intermediate steering shaft (ISS). Size is 18mm. The return line is the other hose/connection.

After doing the work be sure to properly bleed all air of of the system. Good Luck!

[GTP Version 2.0]

So just to clarify the return line in the one that clamps onto the power steering pump? I want to make sure I have the flow direction correct when installing the filter. Also does anyone know of a easy way to flush the system? I have filled the reservoir, then turned the steering wheel 20x, for three sets and the fluid I am draining is still black.

[danielsatur]

2004/grand prix/140k miles
Do you need to remove the intake to replace the bad coolant heater elbows?

[olopezm]

AFAIK it can be done by only removing the tensioner assembly.

Oscar.

[danielsatur]

Thanks - I was suprised, found the coolant tube elbow replacements in the dorman section @ the local auto parts store.

It looks like the Alternator needs to come off too!

I wonder why coolant flows through the tensioner bracket anyways!