Disappearing Antifreeze

[dmkeating]

I just wanted to know what an LIM is? My 2001 Grand Am GT is losing antifreeze only during the colder months. I do see moisture linking around the heads, but I am not sure if this is the really problem. Could it be a bad heater core? Or do you think it is the leaking of antifreeze around the head gasket? My car runs hotter than usually also.

Some help please. Thanks

[nice96gt]

LIM = Lower Intake Manifold

Usually over time this gasket breaks down and coolant will get into the oil, causing all kinds of damage. Can you see if there is any coolant leaking out anywhere? I would check for an external leak first. Also check to make sure your oil isn't a milkshake colour. If it is, you know for a fact that it is your LIM.

[Prospeeder]

We thought that was the problem for sure with out 3400 Grand am, but the oil wasnt messed up and milky, but we were losing coolant like crazy, well, after about 800$ of labor for the gasket repair, we got it home, and checked the coolant the next day, it was bone dry, around the water pump, there was water or somthing sprayed around under it, it turns out it was just pouring coolant out the water pump, got a new one, never had a problem scince

So check water pump area leaks, and then check oil, its most likley LIM but you never know

[dmkeating]

Well, I have checked the water pump and no leaking, and the oil is clean. No milky look to it. I have noticed that the antifreeze is pooling on the engine near the thermostat. But again, I want to say that the coolant only disappears during the winter months when I use the heater. So I guess the LIM is leaking, but based on the additional information, do you think it may be something else?

Thanks Dennis

[nice96gt]

Could be heatercore, WP, lim, or even a bad/cracked hose. Also a faulty coolant bottle cap could be leaking. I would fully inverstigate the issue before assuming it's the LIM. Kind of a pricey fix...

If it's pooling near the thermostat, are you sure it's not the water pump?

[dmkeating]

I have checked all of the hoses and the water pump, I have even changed the thermostat. Which was a pain in the rear. And since it is only showing up during the colder months, I was thinking it was the heater core. But I dont have a smell of antifreeze in the car nor any film on the inside windows. I really hope it is the heater core. That I can replace myself. But as we all know, if i go to a garage they are going to tell me it is my LIM. And it may not be that. So I am confused.

Dennis