Coolant Leak around the engine block

1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
160,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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OUT OF MY LEAGUE
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  • 3 POSTS
There is a pipe that goes into the engine right above the water pump. It appears to go thru an opening between the belt tensioner and the alternator. Can this be fixed?
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Dec 21, 2014 at 2:09 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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  • 20,760 POSTS
The picture doesn't show where the leak is coming from but that tensioner has coolant going through it and a plastic fitting at the end that commonly rots out.
Dec 21, 2014 at 4:09 AM
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JOHNNYT73
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 924 POSTS
Most likely you are speaking of this tensioner (see image)? The two heater elbows are a common issue for a leak, but so is the intake manifold. When replacing the heater elbows, you will need to remove the alternator and tensioner. Be sure you have a small 90 degree pick because the gasket plus a small piece of the elbow will almost always break off and stay inside the engine block and the tensioner.
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Dec 21, 2014 at 4:16 AM
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