2001 Chevy Impala Coolant Leak

Thanks Joe, I recently replaced the thermostat thinking that was the casue of overheating. I was careful to ensure that there was no leaking when I did it. I can see behind the thermostat housing black residue and coolant pooled below that on the engine and frame. There is white smoke coming from the exhaust, it is light and earlier I attributed it to cool weather, but today is mild and I still see it.

Joe,

My Impala is the 3.4L v6. Here is the scenario from today. Started the car to move it around back to work on. Large ammount of white smoke from teh exhaust which subsided to a small steady flow. The car runs fine, without teh thermostat showing it overheating. When the low coolant light comes on I shut it off. I can see steam coming from the engine under and behind the thermostat, I can see where the coolant is running toward the rear of teh engine comaprtment and pooling onto the ground. I still cannot pinpoint source of the leak. There is a block Oily buildup on the side of the engiune in this area. I am geting some engine cleaner so see if that helps me locate the source. The Oil seems fine and I dont see a "mikshake" residue. I am pretty certain that it is origionating from the area behind the t-housing.

Thanks,
Hank

Joe,

I found the leak I think it'e the upper intake manifold (following the seam, it runs below the t-housing) the leak appears to be at the point the seam angles upwards towards the rear spark plug housing. There still isn't waht I'd call alot of whie smoke. But its present and the pooling under the car from the leak is obviouse. If I am follwoing you this is the upper intake gasket.

I have a Haynes Manual, is there a better guide to preforming this repair? My car differs in the upper intake manifold has six fasternes (there is one or two for brackets I think), not the 12 shown. I'm guessing this is a variation in model years.

Thanks,
Hank

Joe,

That looks like it. It seems like the hard part is remembering where everything goes that you have to disconnect to get to it. I guess that is what digital cameras are for.

Any tips besides patience before I tackle this one?

Thanks for all your help with this, I truly appreciate it.

Hank

Joe,

I truly appreciate you help with this. I'm going to give it a go Saturday morning. I'll keep you updated.

Thanks,
Hank

Joe,

I'm down to removing the lower intake manifold. I have removed 8 bolts and given it a few dozen good raps all around (hammer and wood block). The Haynes manual referrs to a casting boss (below the coolant temp. Sensor) as a pry sopt. All other parts have come off with little problesm. This still seems pretty secure in place. Should it take alot of effort to remove the lower intake manifold, or am I missing something?

Thanks,
Hank

Joe,

Please no apologies are necessary, you have my heartfelt condolances. I hope you trip to the hospital in nothing too serious.

I finally did get it off, just being overly cautious since this is my first attempt at an auto repair of this scale. I'm geting ready to do the cleanup of the parts. The inside of the valve covers and the lower intake maniforld have a brownish goo coating it. Do I clean this off?

Thanks again,
Hank

Joe,

I'll get the parts cleaned this week and start reassembly over the weekend. Good tip on using the straight edge to check for warping-I most likely would have skipped this if you hadn't mentioned it. I'll update you as things progress.

Thanks,
Hank

Hi Joe,

Sorry for the 4 month absence-personal problems, winter weather and job layoff have all taken up my time. Nice day today so I went to finish up and encountered a new problem. The rear right corner of the upper intake maniforl and 1/2 of the threaded section for the lower intake manifold broke. Very odd since I wasn't applyi9ng much pressure to it and I am positive I didnt drop or strike it. I can see the gasket in the exposed corner so I know its a deal breaker. Can this be repaired or does tio have to be replaced?

Thanks,
Hank

Thanks joe. I asked around this afternoon and found a reputable salvage yard with good prices. I'll get over there this week and see what they have.

Hank