Coolant Loss: no noticable leaks

**JoeNest** · 04-03-2014

Hey out there. I think I have to replace the upper intake because I can smell antifreeze and my reservoir keeps getting empty, and there is no noticeable leaks. I thought I saw a write up on replacing it and was wondering if anyone knows if there is one and where it is. Pictures and someone's experience would be very helpful for when I tackle that project. Thanks.

**Slick2500** · 04-03-2014

Is there coolant in the oil? Because that is usually where the coolant goes if you have bad lims.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2ZbFwTNjhg

**JoeNest** · 04-03-2014

No there is no coolant in the oil, and it doesn't smoke real bad like it is burning it.

**Slick2500** · 04-03-2014

I would check around the coolant elbows, and check the sides of the radiator.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 04-03-2014

Sounds like it's eating coolant through the intake manifold gaskets if the res keep dropping with no leaks on the outside.

If you are around 100k miles, replace them anyway.

And do what slick said, check the side tanks on the rad.

**JoeNest** · 04-03-2014

Rad has no leaks. Only has 70k but I have heard that the 3.8 is notorious for this problem. Guess I will be replacing it.

**stealthee** · 04-03-2014

I had a slow leak at the water pump that I could not find for awhile. Finally it started getting worse enough to were I finally found the leak. Check around the water pump pulley and around the elbows for seepage.

**JoeNest** · 04-04-2014

ok thanks, will check all around there before tearing it apart.

**nik12937** · 04-04-2014

If I were you I'd do it in one fell swoop and get it over with. The water pump (if it's the original), the lower and upper intake gaskets, coolant elbows (I've had great luck with the aluminum ones) and maybe even valve cover gaskets if they're also original.

Look at where the heads meet the lower intake. If you see a black/plastic gasket, you'll definitely have to replace it soon. If it's a silver/aluminum gasket (the newer style) then you can afford to wait a bit, but really the sooner the better. You never know when it might get worse and cause you to ruin something on the bottom end.

**2gGetsTheP** · 04-06-2014

I had same problem in my 2000 gtp, it was leaking where the main hose connects to the radiator, the POS clamp is a POS. Try running the car and wiggling the hose. When i did alot of coolant was pooring out. I just had different clamp put on

**luckyg817** · 04-07-2014

Here you go. Probably the BEST diy write up for the LIMS on the internet. This guy is great.

http://www.gpona.com/forums/post478949.html#p478949

**JoeNest** · 04-08-2014

That is perfect. Thank you for the link. Now just have to get to work. And yes I work at an auto parts store and found I can get the aluminum elbows instead of the plastic so defiantly going that route.

**luckyg817** · 04-09-2014

No problem. Let me know if you have any questions or doubts, I can help you out.

**stocker** · 04-09-2014

Originally Posted by nik12937

Look at where the heads meet the lower intake. If you see a black/plastic gasket, you'll definitely have to replace it soon. If it's a silver/aluminum gasket (the newer style) then you can afford to wait a bit, but really the sooner the better. You never know when it might get worse and cause you to ruin something on the bottom end.

I'm sitting at 100k miles with an 08 model. I have verified that I have the silver/aluminum LIM gaskets and I was under the impression those do not need to be changed out. From your post it sounds like you would still recommend changing them - why? Are they still prone to eventual failure and considered a maintenance item? Rethinking my situation

**luckyg817** · 04-09-2014

I think he is talking about the head gaskets there. The newer models had the aluminum head gaskets I believe. It really all depends on how you drive and if it has ever over heated on you and stuff. It's not a hard job to do honestly. But like he said, if you're going to do it, do it right and change everything. upper and lowers, valve covers, coolant elbows, MAP sensor o-rings, fuel injector o-rings, tb gasket, tstat gasket, etc. It will put your mind at ease once all that is switched out.

**lilmidge12** · 04-09-2014

not sure if this is it or not but i noticed my water pump gasket is bad and i lose coolant from there

**luckyg817** · 04-10-2014

Originally Posted by lilmidge12

not sure if this is it or not but i noticed my water pump gasket is bad and i lose coolant from there

What's your question?

**lilmidge12** · 04-10-2014

No question lol just thought I would tell you so you could check yours. Didn't know mine was leaking till I had it on a lift

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Slick2500** · 04-10-2014

Originally Posted by luckyg817

I think he is talking about the head gaskets there. The newer models had the aluminum head gaskets I believe. It really all depends on how you drive and if it has ever over heated on you and stuff. It's not a hard job to do honestly. But like he said, if you're going to do it, do it right and change everything. upper and lowers, valve covers, coolant elbows, MAP sensor o-rings, fuel injector o-rings, tb gasket, tstat gasket, etc. It will put your mind at ease once all that is switched out.

All series 2 and 3 cars used the same head gaskets, gm never changed them. I think you mean the intake gaskets were aluminum on newer cars not the head gaskets.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........

**luckyg817** · 04-11-2014

Originally Posted by Slick2500

All series 2 and 3 cars used the same head gaskets, gm never changed them. I think you mean the intake gaskets were aluminum on newer cars not the head gaskets.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........

You might be right. I can't remember correctly. I know they switched something to aluminum. Now i've heard different sides to whether it was a good or bad thing with aluminum.