|
|
Need advice on a GM 3800 Series II coolant issue
|
|
|
| |
|
|
jayhawk3r
New User
Jul 24, 2010, 9:18 AM
Post #1 of 4
(3698 views)
|
|
Need advice on a GM 3800 Series II coolant issue
|
Sign In
|
|
I just got done paying for a new intake manifold gasket on a gm 3.1 liter engine (Malibu). Luckily, I caught it while it was leaking out and not into the engine. Yay for having metal and not plastic now. That got me worried about my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, which has the 3800. 125k miles, has supercharger.
Keep in mind that I know enough about cars to attempt to use the language and sound like an idiot. I attempted to check the coolant. The reservoir was empty. I now refuse to drive it because I'm scared to death. This is the first time I've checked the coolant (because I'm an idiot). We've driven 20k miles in the last year with no problems. No check engine or low coolant light. In fact, the second to last time I drove the car was on my way back from Texas, which is a good 650 miles from here. It was more like a 1500 mile trip total. The temp gauge never rose above a quarter of the way up the whole trip (and that's normal for this car). I tried to check the radiator but it was like the cap was child-proof or non-mechanic proof or something. The last time I drove the car was for an oil-change, and they didn't say anything about the oil being milky, so I assume that no coolant has leaked into my engine.
That would indicate to me that I have an external leak. I don't understand why my car runs so cool if it doesn't have any coolant. I don't understand why a dummy light hasn't come on to tell dummies like me to check their coolant because it's low. And I need advice on how to troubleshoot this on my own. I start grad school in a month. My wife just graduated college and is looking for a job. Right now, we have bills, but no income. After the repair on the Malibu, I just can't afford to have anyone work on the car. Help is appreciated.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2010, 10:55 AM
Post #2 of 4
(3692 views)
|
|
Re: Need advice on a GM 3800 Series II coolant issue
|
Sign In
|
|
Fill the reservoir with suggested mix of correct antifreeze for the temp. Should be marked on that "full cold and full hot" and if even so long ago it was full to radiator or close it may not have enough to make use of the recovery tank all this time.
After working on cooling system anything it can take a few cycles to stabilize at the level it should stay at.
There may be no real problem. Fill it now. Check again soon, fill it one more time if needed and then it may need to look for leaks if none seen now.
Just avoid overheating - bring premixed antifreeze with you for a while till this is stable,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 26, 2010, 5:43 PM
Post #3 of 4
(3679 views)
|
|
Re: Need advice on a GM 3800 Series II coolant issue
|
Sign In
|
|
Jayhawk; Tom's reply is right on. Also, the coolant level sensors on the GMs are not trustworthy. They get contaminated with the Dex-Cool and don't like to work.
Many times, the sensor will tell you the system is low when it isn't. And, visa-versa. Start with a known full system. Watch for any loss of coolant. Like a hawk.
(no pun intended) The coolant temp sensor must be immersed in coolant for it to be accurate. If a system is low on coolant, it may not tell you that the engine is hot. So, don't trust that, either. Sorry.
Loren
SW Washington
|
|
| |
|
|
Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 26, 2010, 7:29 PM
Post #4 of 4
(3676 views)
|
|
Re: Need advice on a GM 3800 Series II coolant issue
|
Sign In
|
|
The 3.8s aren't as bad as the 3.1 & 3.4s for intake gaskets leaking.
Still if your reservoir is empty you need to check it out.....Get a good flashlight & go over the top & bottom of the motor & look for signs of leakage. Tracking, corrosion piles. Fill it up & let it run to build pressure, keep an eye out for any dripping. Then shut it off and do the same after it sits for a bit. If it's due for plugs, install them and look at the old ones real close. Any one that looks way different than the rest or has a built up, take a good pic of it & post it.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
mdma pills for sale : WhatsApp +33758633852
Drive Shaft Repair
2006 Toyoto Camry XLE Driver Side Electric Window Trouble
Grounding Cable, 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
equipment
