breaking coolant elbows....

**Luke Miranowski** · 07-05-2012

I have an 05 grand Prix 3800 not supercharged. I never had a problem until my first cracked coolant elbow. I took it into the shop and dropped 400 bucks. Now i break them monthly!?!?! The shop has replaced my thermostat thinking that might be causing it. But btoke another one this week. I want to take it to another shop but the original shop pays for the tow, parts and labor sense they can not find the problem. Any ideas of what may be causing them to blow out??? The shop says they replace them all the time but never have repeated customers like me.

**BillBoost37** · 07-05-2012

Radiator cap can cause excessive pressure in the system. Give that a try. Other than that..as long as the elbows are in straight and don't have pressure on them when they are tightened down. Meaning that they aren't installed at an angle when the tensioner is tightened to the head. .... you should be fine.

Here is how I do it and have found the ensuing the top elbow has wiggle in it to be key.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-c...ows-49779.html

**jakobkay** · 07-23-2012

Did you pay 400 for just the coolant elbo replacement and to fill it up? Thats awfully pricey for a 10 dollar part and coolant is 12..

**02GPinNY** · 08-14-2012

I'm curious as to whether there are "metal" elbows available for my 02' instead of the plastic ones?

**BillBoost37** · 08-14-2012

No metal has not been made.

**stealthee** · 08-14-2012

Coolant elbows are more evidence of that GM "quality" craftsmanship.

**naumann74** · 08-14-2012

hey im new to this site, but Ive had two 04 grand prix gt's both nonsupercharged, both 3.8's. The first one, i had the elbows changed at about 140,000 miles, the current one i have was done @ about 120,000 miles & i never had a problem like what you are. If i were you i'd Take it directly to a gm dealership it your indepenent shop is having issues.

**02GPinNY** · 08-14-2012

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

No metal has not been made.

Thanks Bill, plastic it is then. Is there a preference from a dealer part as compared to Dorman or other store brands? I just don't want to have to do it again.

**BillBoost37** · 08-14-2012

I always use Dorman unless a customer brings me otherwise. I've used them all w/o issues. Follow my thread on coolant elbow install and you'll be fine.

**stealthee** · 08-14-2012

I followed Bill's thread and did my elbows without incident.

**02GPinNY** · 08-14-2012

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I always use Dorman unless a customer brings me otherwise. I've used them all w/o issues. Follow my thread on coolant elbow install and you'll be fine.

Thanks very much. Appreciate it!