Thread: What part is this? (Anti-Freeze Leak)

What is this piece that I have red arrows pointing at? I have a feeling that it is leaking anti-freeze and as you can tell from the second picture, it drips all over my engine. I found a big puddle under my car today (about 1.5 feet wide).
I have a 1997 Grand Prix GTP 2 Door Coupe

coolant elbow, common on these cars

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

coolant elbow, common on these cars

So could I just pull it off and replace it with any rubber elbow I have lying around?

Or would coolant start rushing out if I pulled it out? lol

You can replace it and see if ti fixes the problem, if it still leaks just put a bunch of rtv or other sealant type thing on it.

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

You can replace it and see if ti fixes the problem, if it still leaks just put a bunch of rtv or other sealant type thing on it.

Alright well I just tried to pull it off and it isn't going anywhere. Do i have to take something apart to be able to take it off?

There used to be a how-to but idk where it is on here since this forum update

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

There used to be a how-to but idk where it is on here since this forum update

Alright, thanks for your help. I'll search and find it, but I think first I might just try to clean it and silicone it and see if it stops leaking.

That elbow slides into both ends and is sealed by o-rings. You need to remove the alternator bracket to get the elbow out and replace it. There are three bolts holding it on. It commonly fails and will leak some coolant when you remove it.

Originally Posted by Silver GTP

That elbow slides into both ends and is sealed by o-rings. You need to remove the alternator bracket to get the elbow out and replace it. There are three bolts holding it on. It commonly fails and will leak some coolant when you remove it.

When I take the alternator off, the belt will come lose. I know that some belts need to be timed between the pulleys or such. Does my car have to?

Should also add that since you have a 97, remove the bracket carefully. There is a second coolant port in the bracket that has an o-ring sealing it. Some people break the bracket when removing it if not careful.

Alright, thanks for the info and heads up.

Alright, thanks

No, there may even be a serpentine belt diagram on the passenger side strut tower.

Sweet, I plan on doing all this tomorrow. Thanks for the help guys

Coolant elbow

You'll have a tensioner pulley you have to pull back to take both belts off. Pull the alternator, them you can pull the bracket off. May as well replace both of them, one is in the LIM and the other comes out of the waterpump. You can pick the elbows up at any parts store on the help idle. It's a pretty straightforward job and only takes me about 15 min to do.

Originally Posted by Sandman

You'll have a tensioner pulley you have to pull back to take both belts off. Pull the alternator, them you can pull the bracket off. May as well replace both of them, one is in the LIM and the other comes out of the waterpump. You can pick the elbows up at any parts store on the help idle. It's a pretty straightforward job and only takes me about 15 min to do.

How do I release the tensioner pulley? Is it that bolt that is in the middle of the pulley?

I can't get to the second bolt on the alt bracket unless I get the belt off beause it's in the way.

Originally Posted by Bologna

How do I release the tensioner pulley? Is it that bolt that is in the middle of the pulley?

I can't get to the second bolt on the alt bracket unless I get the belt off beause it's in the way.

yes its the bolt in the middle of the pulley

Originally Posted by Bologna

How do I release the tensioner pulley? Is it that bolt that is in the middle of the pulley?

I can't get to the second bolt on the alt bracket unless I get the belt off beause it's in the way.

Its that bolt. You're going to have to take off the both belts to pull off that bracket.

Make sure you replace both elbows while doing job. Also make sure the four insertion points are cleaned. I used steel wool then lubed elbow o rings with motor oil.