Cooling System and Gasket Leaks FAQ...Read this first - Page 2

Clemzexp6969 · 11-26-2005, 10:18 PM

I changed the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets as i had a fliud leak and i buttoned up everything the way i took it off and replaced everything that should have been relaced. I changed the oil and had an excessive amount of coolant in the oil. I flushed it twice and still had a lot of coolant in the oil. The coolant did leak down into the block when i took everything off but would it be enough to cause this problem. Anyone have any sugestions on what i may be able to do. Im out of answers, and i dont want to **** up my car. IT is the 3.4 liter motor.

MartyM · 12-12-2005, 07:09 PM

At 90,000 miles, the infamous leak has arrived!

I've got 11 payments left on this car and looking at $$ right now, there's no way I can trade this in and get something else. The car is an 02 GAGT and on its third set of tires (got the second set free @ 30K due to the infamous tire "recall") and got 60K out of a set of Eagles. The car is stock and I have a motorcycle to abuse and get my speed thrills on.

So, fix the damn thing or just keep driving it until it blows up? I unfortunately don't have the time, tools or patience to do this on my own so it's off to the local garage to get it done. While they are at it, I'm going to have them replace the plugs and serpentine belt. Anyhting else I should have them do besides get me a new car?

99GAGTX · 12-12-2005, 07:43 PM

Have the water pump thoroughly checked. I had the same problem with the gaskets you guys mentioned when the car was 3 and a half years old. Yeah, 6 months after the warranty expired. It was a $1200 repair at the dealer. Last year, the water pump let go in a Best Buy parking lot. Had to have it towed to the garage.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. The alternator failed around the same time the gaskets failed. Maybe check that too. Basically, get the whole dam car checked before the warranty expires. If you plan on keeping it.

99GAGTX · 12-12-2005, 07:47 PM

Just out of curiosity, how many times (if any) have you had to replace the resistor for the heater fan? So far, I'm at twice and counting.

MartyM · 12-13-2005, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99GAGTX

Just out of curiosity, how many times (if any) have you had to replace the resistor for the heater fan? So far, I'm at twice and counting.

I must be luck, oh damn, just jinxed myself didn't I? Never with this one, but once with the wife's Grand Prix (2000 model)

spartan0199 · 12-23-2005, 02:16 PM

Add me to the list LIM gasket failure at 97,000miles. 2000 GA GT. Damn.

boost21 · 12-23-2005, 02:36 PM

/\ consider yourself lucky...mine was replaced at 25K and then 2 weeks ago at 60K

spartan0199 · 12-27-2005, 02:35 PM

You are right, it could be worse. Too bad the GM customer service people aren't even remotely nice. How could they not have even heard of this issue? Either they are lieing or GM is covering it up. You'd think they could offer a free oil change (not that I'd use it) for having to go through this pain.

89yotarollagts · 01-10-2006, 12:14 PM

well from what im reading & what im reading on my odometer im guessing my gaskets are sh*t too WTF this is my first Domestic car and its prolly gunna be my last pretty sad being a 2000 an all..

just looked and i dont have any milkyness to my dip stick nor the oil cap... however their is oil all over lower part of my engine/tranny area (bad valve cover gaskets) ?

2003SCT · 01-10-2006, 01:12 PM

The thing that sucks about this issue is the fact that it is such a pain to do. Between my old Achieva and my new GA..its the only issue that I have had. Too bad that its a fricking gasket

CHRIS

jdc7601 · 03-14-2006, 10:41 AM

I had a leak but I did not know it because it was going from the oil system. It turned out to be the intake manifold. Mine Grand Am is a 95 and it has 120k miles on it and it is the second major repair I have had to deal with.

03-23-2006, 06:24 PM

well add me and a friend to cooling problems.
I had a leak about 2 years ago... it was gasket... kept getting low coolant and then notice milky stuff on my radiator cap. My friend has a 99 GT. He waited too long and screwed up his engine. he finally got it repaired after 2 years, 3 mechanics and about $1800... Now mine is acting up again. Went out of town and everything was ok on the highway. Soon as i got into traffic on the freeway i noticed the car warming up just a lil.. thought it was normal till i looked again a few min later and it was kissing the red. thats about 2 weeks ago. put some more coolant and made it home ok. since then tho it heats up ONLY when im not moving. if i go it cools down or never passes 200. thanks for this thread. ive already changed the water pump.. lets see what else i have to check off... 130k

any suggestions?

05-23-2006, 10:32 AM

Is it a coomon thing for a thermostaat to go out? Mine did and then it overheated which caused a blown head gasket. Is this an easy fix or am i looking at spending some major money(which by tne way i dont have!!!)

Bonnor · 05-23-2006, 05:46 PM

i was driving my car around the city yesterday and it was 30 degrees C(yes i'm from canada) and i was 3 ticks past 90..and i was wondering if this is normal on hot ashfault or wut?

Mike Jung · 05-23-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnor

i was driving my car around the city yesterday and it was 30 degrees C(yes i'm from canada) and i was 3 ticks past 90..and i was wondering if this is normal on hot ashfault or wut?

Yes.

jmfbsharp · 05-26-2006, 01:38 PM

Hello,

Anyone out there install the 180 degree Hypertech thermostat from www.pfyc.com in replace of the stock thermostat? Does it make a difference in temperature? Also, i've heard that this thermostat should NOT be installed without a computer upgrade is that true? Does anyone here know?

Thank you

Ajaxus · 05-26-2006, 01:42 PM

dude, go back and read my reply to your first question on this.

jmfbsharp · 05-26-2006, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajaxus

dude, go back and read my reply to your first question on this.

Sorry bout that Ajaxus I didnt think to search first. After I did it is mentioned quite a few times. Thanks again.

Ajaxus · 05-26-2006, 02:08 PM

yep, no prob.

djrkd · 06-10-2006, 08:38 PM

i know this is off topic, but im gettin ready to get rid of the http://www.grandampc.com/leak domain, and host for somethin new, if anyone wants to take over, or host the files please let me know, I dont visit here often since i no longer own a grand am, please contact me on AIM (rkdm6) or email me: xtckidxx@aol.com

11-26-2005, 10:18 PM	#21
Clemzexp6969 GAGT - Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: East Peoria, IL Age: 41 Posts: 2 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT coupe	Coolant in oil I changed the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets as i had a fliud leak and i buttoned up everything the way i took it off and replaced everything that should have been relaced. I changed the oil and had an excessive amount of coolant in the oil. I flushed it twice and still had a lot of coolant in the oil. The coolant did leak down into the block when i took everything off but would it be enough to cause this problem. Anyone have any sugestions on what i may be able to do. Im out of answers, and i dont want to **** up my car. IT is the 3.4 liter motor.

12-12-2005, 07:09 PM	#22
MartyM GAGT - Newbie AKA: Marty Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Avon Lake, Ohio Age: 49 Posts: 2 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan	Well it was only a matter of time At 90,000 miles, the infamous leak has arrived! I've got 11 payments left on this car and looking at $$ right now, there's no way I can trade this in and get something else. The car is an 02 GAGT and on its third set of tires (got the second set free @ 30K due to the infamous tire "recall") and got 60K out of a set of Eagles. The car is stock and I have a motorcycle to abuse and get my speed thrills on. So, fix the damn thing or just keep driving it until it blows up? I unfortunately don't have the time, tools or patience to do this on my own so it's off to the local garage to get it done. While they are at it, I'm going to have them replace the plugs and serpentine belt. Anyhting else I should have them do besides get me a new car?

01-10-2006, 12:14 PM	#29
89yotarollagts GAGT - Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Duluth MN Age: 36 Posts: 51 Vehicle: 00 GAGT- 89corolla GTS	well from what im reading & what im reading on my odometer im guessing my gaskets are sht too WTF this is my first Domestic car and its prolly gunna be my last pretty sad being a 2000 an all.. just looked and i dont have any milkyness to my dip stick nor the oil cap... however their is oil all over lower part of my engine/tranny area (bad valve cover gaskets) ? __________________ "True car enthusiasts are open-minded to everyone's creation" "Straight roads R 4 Fast cars... Curvy roads R 4 Fast drivers " Last edited by 89yotarollagts; 01-10-2006 at 12:21 PM.*

01-10-2006, 01:12 PM	#30
2003SCT GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Age: 43 Posts: 1,710 Vehicle: 2003 Grand Am SC/T	The thing that sucks about this issue is the fact that it is such a pain to do. Between my old Achieva and my new GA..its the only issue that I have had. Too bad that its a fricking gasket CHRIS __________________ UNLV Alumni...Go Rebels! 2003 Grand Am SC/T Coupe in White. Borla Cat-Back, F/R Speedbuilt sway bars, H&R Sports/KYB, 18" Misano Lightweights wrapped in Falken FK-452 Euro-Sports and ZAINO! 2000 Chevrolet S10 Flareside: K&N Intake, Truxedo Tonneau and Gibson Cat Back

03-14-2006, 10:41 AM	#31
jdc7601 GAGT - Newbie AKA: Justin Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: W Henrietta NY Age: 41 Posts: 2 Vehicle: 1995 Grand Am GT Coupe	Similar Type of Problem I had a leak but I did not know it because it was going from the oil system. It turned out to be the intake manifold. Mine Grand Am is a 95 and it has 120k miles on it and it is the second major repair I have had to deal with.

12-12-2005, 07:43 PM	#23
99GAGTX resident lunatic AKA: Lou Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 272 Vehicle: 99 Grand Am GT - sold	Have the water pump thoroughly checked. I had the same problem with the gaskets you guys mentioned when the car was 3 and a half years old. Yeah, 6 months after the warranty expired. It was a $1200 repair at the dealer. Last year, the water pump let go in a Best Buy parking lot. Had to have it towed to the garage. Oh yeah, almost forgot. The alternator failed around the same time the gaskets failed. Maybe check that too. Basically, get the whole dam car checked before the warranty expires. If you plan on keeping it.

12-12-2005, 07:47 PM	#24
99GAGTX resident lunatic AKA: Lou Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 272 Vehicle: 99 Grand Am GT - sold	Just out of curiosity, how many times (if any) have you had to replace the resistor for the heater fan? So far, I'm at twice and counting.

12-23-2005, 02:16 PM	#26
spartan0199 GAGT - Member AKA: Justin Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ypsilanti MI Age: 47 Posts: 30 Vehicle: 2000 Grand AM GT	Add me to the list LIM gasket failure at 97,000miles. 2000 GA GT. Damn.

12-23-2005, 02:36 PM	#27
boost21 GAGT - Senior Member AKA: -_- Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,766 Vehicle: turbo ls1	/\ consider yourself lucky...mine was replaced at 25K and then 2 weeks ago at 60K

12-27-2005, 02:35 PM	#28
spartan0199 GAGT - Member AKA: Justin Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ypsilanti MI Age: 47 Posts: 30 Vehicle: 2000 Grand AM GT	You are right, it could be worse. Too bad the GM customer service people aren't even remotely nice. How could they not have even heard of this issue? Either they are lieing or GM is covering it up. You'd think they could offer a free oil change (not that I'd use it) for having to go through this pain.

03-23-2006, 06:24 PM	#32
odphi Guest Posts: n/a	well add me and a friend to cooling problems. I had a leak about 2 years ago... it was gasket... kept getting low coolant and then notice milky stuff on my radiator cap. My friend has a 99 GT. He waited too long and screwed up his engine. he finally got it repaired after 2 years, 3 mechanics and about $1800... Now mine is acting up again. Went out of town and everything was ok on the highway. Soon as i got into traffic on the freeway i noticed the car warming up just a lil.. thought it was normal till i looked again a few min later and it was kissing the red. thats about 2 weeks ago. put some more coolant and made it home ok. since then tho it heats up ONLY when im not moving. if i go it cools down or never passes 200. thanks for this thread. ive already changed the water pump.. lets see what else i have to check off... 130k any suggestions? Last edited by odphi; 03-23-2006 at 06:30 PM.

05-23-2006, 10:32 AM	#33
Curious_racing Guest Posts: n/a	Is it a coomon thing for a thermostaat to go out? Mine did and then it overheated which caused a blown head gasket. Is this an easy fix or am i looking at spending some major money(which by tne way i dont have!!!)

05-23-2006, 05:46 PM	#34
Bonnor GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saskatoon Age: 37 Posts: 66 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Coupe	i was driving my car around the city yesterday and it was 30 degrees C(yes i'm from canada) and i was 3 ticks past 90..and i was wondering if this is normal on hot ashfault or wut?

05-26-2006, 01:38 PM	#36
jmfbsharp GAGT - Newbie Join Date: May 2006 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 4 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT sedan	Thermostat Upgrade? Hello, Anyone out there install the 180 degree Hypertech thermostat from www.pfyc.com in replace of the stock thermostat? Does it make a difference in temperature? Also, i've heard that this thermostat should NOT be installed without a computer upgrade is that true? Does anyone here know? Thank you

05-26-2006, 01:42 PM	#37
Ajaxus GAGT - Junkie AKA: AJ Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Missoula, MT Age: 37 Posts: 8,405 Vehicle: '01 Subaru Outback LTD	dude, go back and read my reply to your first question on this.

05-26-2006, 02:08 PM	#39
Ajaxus GAGT - Junkie AKA: AJ Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Missoula, MT Age: 37 Posts: 8,405 Vehicle: '01 Subaru Outback LTD	yep, no prob.

06-10-2006, 08:38 PM	#40
djrkd GAGT - Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Philly, PA Age: 38 Posts: 199 Vehicle: 1999 Grand AM SE	i know this is off topic, but im gettin ready to get rid of the http://www.grandampc.com/leak domain, and host for somethin new, if anyone wants to take over, or host the files please let me know, I dont visit here often since i no longer own a grand am, please contact me on AIM (rkdm6) or email me: xtckidxx@aol.com

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