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2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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LudlowLou
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Oct 8, 2012, 5:05 PM
Post #1 of 10
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2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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My daughter drives a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L twin cam. 122K, and runs new She is second owner, first was a mature woman who care for the vehicle like it was a child.
She called saturday to inform me she was being towed home. The car overheated and stalled. Come to find out it has been doing this just not so drastic, she has been topping off coolant reservoir. So I had her drop it off so Dad could give it a good look.
Of course, the mfg. shoehorned this engine into this little car. Everything is TIGHT!!!! The water pump is in a ridiculous place with hoses going in all directions. After much patient review and plenty of light under and above the engine. I found the leak!
Drivers side top of engine. Two bolt cup flange, with one large radiator hose, and it looks like two heater hoses off of it. The gasket between flange and engine is shot and is leaking.
Is this gasket a replacement item, or will I have to fashion a new one from gasket material? Should I use any gasket sealant i.e. permatex? Or dry?
Anyone know the proper term for this hose fixture? Any hints on this job?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 8, 2012, 5:19 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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That engine has all kinds of space compared to some of the other stuff we work on every day. The water pump however is driven by the timing chain and not a job you ever want to tackle. You will be replacing a lot more than a water pump if you dig into that. The thermostat is no picnic either. You usually have to remove the exhaust manifold to change that.
To answer your question, yes, there is a gasket available for the thermostat.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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LudlowLou
User
Oct 8, 2012, 5:40 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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Thanks for the great response. You guys have been of great value to me. Thanks.
So the two bolt flange holds the thermostat? If that is the case, I will change that also. By the way, do you know the temp that is recommened? I am partial to 192 being here in New England, the heat comes up faster. I would just hate to make more problems down the way.
Lou
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 8, 2012, 5:44 PM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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The temp is not optional. It requires a 195 or the fuel injection will be screwed up.
If you're going to tackle that water pump, make sure you replace the chain and all the guides and do not rotate the engine with the chain off or you will be replacing the head.
I would be pressure testing the system first to find any leaks.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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LudlowLou
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Oct 8, 2012, 7:07 PM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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I have looked at the water pump. From underneath, while the engine was running. it is fine. No sounds, no leaks. I would NOT change it myself, if it were bad.
I can, however handle this leak. looks like I will have to remove air cleaner and intake bellows, disconect a wiring connect, and, the two bolts are then wide open for removal.
If the thermostat is behind those two bolts, I just assume put in a new one while I am in there. I like the Failsafe type.
Going to the usual do-it-yourself auto retailer websites, it appears there is a choice of 180 and 192. You say 195. I believe you, should I call NAPA.... CarQuest....dealer?
I also am going to assume it would come with a gasket, right?
LOU
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 8, 2012, 7:09 PM
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Double J
Veteran
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Oct 8, 2012, 9:26 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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You are referring to the Water Outlet on the drivers side top of the engine.
It looks exactly like a thermostat housing but it doesnt house the thermostat.
HT posted where the Tstat is if you want to replace that.
Go to the parts store and get a replacement water outlet,it comes with a new oring gasket
Autozone and others usually stock them
What usually happens is the plastic material degrades and causes the coolant to leak passed the oring
Looks like this
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Double J
Veteran
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Oct 8, 2012, 9:32 PM
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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And just a FYI
If you do decide to replace the stat
DO NOT GET A FAILSAFE THERMOSTAT
They're not good at all.....i have replaced 4 in the last year that people had installed
They do fail open as they're designed to do,but all 4 of these failed open for no reason.
Get a good quality one ,Stant is a good aftermarket brand.
(This post was edited by Double J on Oct 8, 2012, 9:34 PM)
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LudlowLou
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Oct 9, 2012, 7:44 AM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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Did not think it held the thermostat, but it is always better to ask. But THAT is excatly where the leak is. Thanks Double J and everyone else here.
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LudlowLou
User
Oct 9, 2012, 7:46 AM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4L has coolant gasket leak
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Thanks again. I like the idea of the Failsafe and have used them in the past without a problem, but changed vehicles. Can't really atest to their performance with trial of time.
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