2003 Pontiac Grand Am Leaking Coolant

95,345 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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GOLDERDADDYB
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Purchased 2003 Ponitac Grand Am GT new. Last year noticed temp raising and falling over normal 200 degree. Had the thermostat replaced. Last month had to start adding small amounts of coolant once a week after low coolant light came on. Mechanic replaced the coolant light. Did not help. While driving last week temp when to 230 degree. I shut off added water and squezzed the hose going to the thermostat. Hear a loud bang. Checked the oil and found no water. Drove care to mechanic who replaced the thermostat, pressure tested the system anc flushed the engine. Car now running at normal temp but still using about a pint of water. No leak visible. Check aroung water pump, under the car and all hoses. No water in oil. Low coolant light comes on when system is low on water. When is water going?
Oct 25, 2009 at 3:29 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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It is either leaking it or burning it. Have compression performed to rule out head gaskets.

Intake manifold gasket leaks are another problem on this year/engine, but a cooling system pressure should have indicated if intake gasket was leaking.
Jul 29, 2020 at 3:08 AM
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GOLDERDADDYB
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Thanks for the reply. Pressure test was completed with no leak found. I will have the mechanic test the compression. Agian, thanks.
Jul 29, 2020 at 3:08 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
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  • 8,548 POSTS
Your welcome and thanks for using 2carpros. I hope it is something simple.

Ask mechanic when he flushed the cooling system, if he noticed any odd color (blue or copper color) which may indicate a liquid head gasket sealer was used in cooling system.
Jul 29, 2020 at 3:08 AM
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