so...how do i fix this?

[cardot33]

I'm currently working on my 02 Malibu with a 3100. I've been loosing coolant for a while. I tore off the intake, replaced the gaskets, runs better but still loosing coolant. I just got done tearing my intake back off and I think I found my problem. I believe the black metal tubing that is kinda press fitted into the back of the thermostat housing isn't a tight enough fit. anybody know what piece of tubing I'm talking about? it comes from the heater core and gets bolted in place on the rear head. so how do I make it fit in there snug enough that it won't leak?

[bszopi]

It is press fit, so you might look at replacing the gasket on it. Also, on the one that I have with the same fitting, there is a bracket welded to the pipe which is then bolted down to ensure the pipe doesn't back out. Check those 2 things, and it should hopefully fix your issue.

[cardot33]

yea its still bolted in place, but wait there's a gasket? lol, I didn't see one come off of it either time i took the intake apart so that might be my problem. its just a rubber o-ring i would imagine right?

[cardot33]

hmm... no wonder i couldn't see that o-ring. it was so smashed down and hardened it didn't look like there was hardly a bump on the tubing. I feel like an idiot for not seeing it but I bet that helps my coolant leak a lot

[bszopi]

Yeah, I meant o-ring, not gasket... And yeah, I'm sure replacing it will help significantly.

[cardot33]

well thanks for your help pointing out the obvious. sometimes that's all thats needed, but it was needed nonetheless.