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Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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ryan03
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Aug 13, 2011, 11:43 AM
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Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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I have an 03 alero with about 80k on it and recently started loosing a lot of anti-freeze.
I took a look at the engine and noticed a small puddle laying within the engine.
I've linked a picture to show you what I mean.
I've read about the intake gasket being a common problem so I was hoping if someone here could tell if this is the case from the picture I've linked.
I know that the cost of repairing something like this is pricey so I was also wondering if I could use a leak fixing additive to my coolant or if you think this could cause more damage?
Thanks for the help.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 13, 2011, 12:10 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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You can confirm by pressure testing the system. In your pic that does look like the intake manifold gaskets have deteriorated and are leaking. Very common. Don't use any leak sealer..that will just make the problem worse.
I suggest you go with the Felpro Permadry plus set. They have a steel carrier instead of the plastic and will last a long longer. Don't let it go, because the coolant can leak into the lifter valley and get on the cam bearings. That results in a broken camshaft.
Here is a picture of what happens to those gaskets from the expansion and contraction of the heads and intake. Dex-cool has also been labeled at a plasticizer which doesn't help.
Here is a set of Permadry Plus gaskets (MS98003T) :
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 13, 2011, 12:32 PM)
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ryan03
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Aug 13, 2011, 1:37 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Thanks a lot for the reply and advice. Well the problem is that I won't have the money to get it repaired until a week or 2 unless I attempt to do this myself which I doubt I'll feel comfortable doing.
You mentioned not using a leak sealer but what about this product:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_3-Step-Head-Gasket-Repair-Kit-Bars-Leak_7690010-P_N3286_T%7CGRP2053___
It claims to be able to repair intake gaskets and the majority of the reviews seem to be positive.
Also the car doesn't overheat at all when the coolant is down.
Thanks again for your help.
(This post was edited by ryan03 on Aug 13, 2011, 1:48 PM)
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Hammer Time
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Aug 13, 2011, 2:20 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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His statement was " Don't use any leak sealer..that will just make the problem worse."
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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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Discretesignals
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Aug 13, 2011, 3:27 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Believe me, you'll spend a lot less money doing a permanent fix than a temp one that could backfire in your face. I'd really be carefully with the amount of coolant loss you are getting. You really don't want that coolant to get into the lifter valley.
Just Google "3.4L broken camshaft" and you'll see what I mean.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
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Aug 13, 2011, 4:18 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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There is no such thing as "mechanic in a can". All that stuff will do is clog up the rest of your system and you'll have twice as many problems as you have now. You may feel that you can't afford to repair it but the risk you take could cost you the whole engine.
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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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ryan03
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Aug 13, 2011, 4:21 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Sorry didn't see your response so ignore my last post.
Thank you, you've been really helpful. I don't know what else to do though. I mean I can't afford a $400+ fix right now.
I have to fill refill the coolant about every week and a half or so. Would it be ok to keep doing that until I can afford an appropriate fix in a couple weeks? I drive about 40 miles a day and it's been running really great just except that damn leak.
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Hammer Time
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Aug 13, 2011, 4:24 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Theoretically yes, but it only takes one time for it to suddenly start leaking faster and break that temperature threshold and in a heartbeat you've got a blown head gasket or worse. If that coolant starts leaking internally, and you won't know when that happens, you will lose the motor real quick.
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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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ryan03
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Aug 14, 2011, 11:56 AM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Thanks again for the help guys. I won't use the leak stopper and I'll try to get into the shop this week.
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Tom Greenleaf
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Aug 14, 2011, 2:16 PM
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Re: Alero - Antifreeze leak coming from engine
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Hey - we all know money is tight for lots of folks. The risks are too high with something like this so find, steal (kidding) beg or borrow the bucks as it just might save you your engine as said! Now where would that $$ come from?
Coolant sealers: Plain NO! Most are based on fine crushed rubber or sawdust - just what you need thru the whole system. Just one is a gel but if one oz doesn't solve a known issue than forget that too and I won't even mention the product.
As already said and I'm in the club too, FELPRO has frequently made better gaskets than the originals IMO. Don't let a couple bucks mess up the real fix for this,
T
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