Coolant Leak Location Identification

[Singlealt]

I have a 2006 Grand Prix (Base Model) with 200,000+ miles. I have a fairly significant coolant leak on my car. I finally located it, but to be honest, I can't figure out what the source of the leak is. I hope someone here may can tell me what I'm looking at. I had a slow leak a couple of summers ago that I couldn't locate, but it disappeared after a few months. I haven't had any problems since, and that includes at least one more Alabama summer. In early December, I had my coolant changed. After that, I've had a more significant coolant leak. Today, I was able to locate the source of the leak.

[Singlealt]

Here is a close-up view of the circled area.

[Scottydoggs]

coolant elbow is leaking.

[Singlealt]

How easy is that to fix? I'm assuming you can just replace it?

[Scottydoggs]

alternator and its bracket come off. theres two elbows upper and lower, replace both. http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...coolant-elbows

[JohnRider]

Faily easy, you can do it.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naSeiPZi5Ts
Another video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuCQTj2Q0gc

[cheatah faheatah]

Aluminum elbows are available as an upgrade...little more $ , but won't degrade like plastic factory ones.

[SaukRapids]

My experience the hardest part was lining everything up putting it on. Not too bad at all.

[Singlealt]

Thanks. I went ahead and splurged for the aluminum elbows. I also figured since I've got to remove the alternator, this would be an excellent time to replace my belt that has started occasionally chirping.

[cheatah faheatah]

Good choice on both counts. Now would also be a great time to check your tensioner pulley (should give good resistance during belt removal, belt off= check to see if it spins freely and no play/wobble.) and power steering fluid level, both can contribute to chirps. Old elbows will prolly break on the way out. GENTLY use a small hooked pick tool to coax broken pieces out (don't dig and scratch) and use fine sandpaper to clean out holes in block & alt. bracket. The elbows are different so you can't really put them in wrong, but put them both in the bracket first, then push whole assembly home. Also keep track of which bolts are which from alt bracket, improper reinstall could puncture coolant passages in block with a bolt that is too long. I don't mean too scare you off this project...just be careful. I like the video on 1AAuto.com, it's a less than 1 hour job. Good Luck..........E

[spazzz]

what sucks is having to redo it after the metal Dorman orings degrade. Might take a year.
Somewhere there are the part numbers for the AC Delco orings.