Coolant Leak

[GreenGA98]

My coolant has been leaking slowly for a couple months now. It is progressively getting worse. I keep finding more and more coolant on my garage floor every night. I can't see the coolant leaking but i can see a puddle underneith the car. The leak is coming from the front-middle of the car. My car is a 98 grand am SE, 3100 v6, with 140K miles on it(mostly highway). I read forums that said it might me the water pump, or LIM, but i don't kno what to think. Has anybody had a problem like this and what do I need to do? PS- Is it safe to keep driving with the car slowly leaking coolant.

[cocobob]

Its most likely the GM curse of the LIM (lower intake manifold) gasket that is leaking. A way too common problem on GM 3.1 & 3.4L engines which in my opinion should be a recall - but not according to GM.

[GreenGA98]

How much would something like that cost to repair?

[Bjornboy81]

Depending on how much you know about tearing apart an engine, you could do it yourself. But to have it done, about $700-$1000. Do a search for Lower intake manifold repair and you'll find some really good info around here.


Just whatever you do, do it now...don't wait until it f***s up your engine :)

[GreenGA98]

I just called up Conrads and told them my problem .They 2 said it might be the LIM but they have to run a pressure test first. I am taking it in tomorrow afternoon. My question is, can I drive it tonight? Is it safe to drive on it for a short trip(10 mins away) or should i lock it up in the garage until it is time for the repair.

[Bjornboy81]

You can drive it as long as the oil and coolant aren't mixing and the fluid levels are up to par. Sorry, I didn't mean don't drive it at all. Like I said, as long as it's not too bad you can drive it for a couple of days I'm sure...just keep an eye on it. Did you shop around at all?

[GreenGA98]

The fluids aren't mixing, the coolant is just leaking. The only 2 garages i trust in my town are Conrads and American Tire. American Tire couldn't get it in until monday. Conrads can get it in tomorrow. They both told me similar prices (about 700-1000 range).

[zismat07]

i really dont see how its that much i got mine done for 460 parts and labor. i keep shopping. its only a 5.4 hour job $700 seams pricy.

[HornetGT141]

Hmmm, the local Midas I go said it would be around $600US to replace the LIM if/when it goes wrong.

The mechanic that worked on my car owns a 1997 Grand Am as well. It was safe to say this guy knew how my car operates haha.

[HornetGT141]

**EDIT**
Sorry for the double post...

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

are you sure your oil level is not rising?

[GreenGA98]

Now that you mention it my oil level did look high the last time I checked it. That could have been bc i might have overfilled it though. Anyways the oil looks normal.

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

my oil looked normal, just the level kept going up. I was also leaking antifreeze on the outside. I would go out each day and find a small puddle under my car. I replaced the gaskets with my dad and it stoped.

[GreenGA98]

How do u replace the gaskets, and which gaskets? How long did it take? Could I do it bc i don't have any mechanical experience? Sry for all the questions but let me kno

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

my dad and I replaced all my gaskets. You have to take the whole engine apart. Then replace them and re seal the engine. then put everything back together. It took like 8 hours, but it saved me probably $600-$800 bucks. These 3.4L engines suck though. I've heard its caused by GM's long lasting antifreeze, its too acidic. If you really don't know what your doing, I wouldn't attemp it cause you could really screw something up.

[RedGrandAm2003]

I was flamed on this before, but thats a problem with a diff engine. They just get dried out and crack, and then coolant just leaks into the engine/out of the engine.

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

yea it cause GM uses cheap parts that don't last. its ridiculous.

[RedGrandAm2003]

:agree:

[GreenGA98]

I think I have pinpointed the leak. There is a wet area under my car right behind the starter and fuel filter. There is a pulley close by. I have been hear high pitched squeling noises coming from my car. Could that be a barring on the pulley/water pump and could that be my water pump not my LIM?

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

the squealing is probably the water pump, but i don't think its whats leaking antifreeze.

[GreenGA98]

My car is getting tested at Conrads right now. They are supposed to call me back soon. I'll let u know what they say.

How much is too much for them to charge me for the LIM gasket, if it is that?

[AJSpeedAM100MPH]

no more then $1000.

[GreenGA98]

FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K FU*K MOTHER MOTHER FU*K FU*K.
SORRY FOR THAT BUT AS I DREADED IT WAS MY LIM(AKA GM'S PART THAT SUCKS). THANKS FOR ALL UR HELP BUT I STILL HAVE TO SHELL OUT $850 WITH A NEW THERMOSTAT TOO. DONT TELL ME TO SHOP AROUND BC I ALREADY COMMITTED TO THE REPAIR. Who else has had promblems with this? Join the club

[Bumpin1OHM]

eh, dont feel too bad

my car is about to tax me for over $1500 in the next week or two because im getting the water pump replaced (leaking a lot, only to the outside, not the inside thank god) and while its apart gonna have them do the timing chan, tensioner, all that good sht and once i get mor emoney after that ill do hoses, spark plugs, all the filters, etc...

just hope they use the revised parts, or youll be shelling out that money again in the future!

[GreenGA98]

Its only my first car so I never experienced a repair like this before. W/E, thats life...right.


A WISE MAN ONCE SAID:
"IF IT HAS TITS OR WHEELS, YOU'RE GONNA HAVE PROBLEMS."

[Bumpin1OHM]

holy shit then women drivers are doomed

:)

[cadillac]

Just to let you guys know it was just on my news 10 mins ago on a " consumer report " about GM's leaking intake manafold gaskets and it was talking about all the class action siuts that are started in the US sbout it. It said GM would not do a recall but would deal with it on a one on one basis for the 99+ GA's and GP's that were off warranty. They gave a # to call but I think it is just for Canadians but here it is 1-800-263-3777. Hope this helps some people.

[cocobob]

What TV station and what city did you see this news on.
I also called your posted GM number - yes it is Canadian. They are receptive to my 04 GT LIM leak that was refused service by dealership this week. I advised them of the LIM job just done in Nov 05 on my 04`SE1. However the people at this nuimber have refused to consider the LIM problem on my 97 SE that as been previously replaced at my cost in 2000 (3 months after warranty) and needs another due to the fact that the replacement gasket was done with the original defective design. Yeah I own 3 GA and am a sucker for punishment.
thanks

[Bjornboy81]

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=57400

[RedGrandAm2003]

Its "CTV" which stands for Canadian Tele Vision... I think? lol.. Its a candian broadcaster so.. yeah.