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Hi guys,
I have developed a sudden, rather severe coolant leak. The vehicle in question is a 96 Lumina minivan with the 3400. It has already had LIM gaskets AND a timing cover gasket done, as well as a water pump (x2), and the coolant has been flushed/drained a number of times.
Everything was fine two weeks ago, the level remained consistent in the reservoir and the radiator for months, until this past Tuesday when I opened the hood and, empty reservoir. I filled it up and looked around for leaks. There is a fairly substantial amount of leftover, burnt-off coolant residue running down beside the number 5 cylinder and onto the trans bellhousing. After driving, especially if there's not enough time for it to get real hot, there is a bit of fresh coolant present. The temp sensor is dry, the LIM gaskets do not LOOK leaky (and I'm familiar with their problems, not just guessing) and there is no cheez whiz on the PCV valve or oil cap (yet?). No obvious signs of coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant.
Close examination reveals a fairly decent buildup of coolant DIRECTLY BENEATH and inward of the thermostat housing, in what appears to be a small gap between the lower intake manifold and the block casting itself (note this is NOT puddling on top of the trans, but the block area adjoining it). Following is a link to a diagram of the engine with indications of the area where the puddling is spotted.
I was almost thinking it could be the thermostat bypass pipe or the intake manifold coolant pipe...but then it seems a little out of the way for either. This is where I open the floor to opinions and input. Am I looking at LIM gaskets AGAIN? Or something worse, like a head gasket? Any and all input is appreciated.
P.S. I apologize for the rambling post but my intent was to provide as much detailed information as possible, since we all know what a royal pain in the @$$ it can be trying to guess at problems with only vague descriptions.
Thanks folks.
I have developed a sudden, rather severe coolant leak. The vehicle in question is a 96 Lumina minivan with the 3400. It has already had LIM gaskets AND a timing cover gasket done, as well as a water pump (x2), and the coolant has been flushed/drained a number of times.
Everything was fine two weeks ago, the level remained consistent in the reservoir and the radiator for months, until this past Tuesday when I opened the hood and, empty reservoir. I filled it up and looked around for leaks. There is a fairly substantial amount of leftover, burnt-off coolant residue running down beside the number 5 cylinder and onto the trans bellhousing. After driving, especially if there's not enough time for it to get real hot, there is a bit of fresh coolant present. The temp sensor is dry, the LIM gaskets do not LOOK leaky (and I'm familiar with their problems, not just guessing) and there is no cheez whiz on the PCV valve or oil cap (yet?). No obvious signs of coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant.
Close examination reveals a fairly decent buildup of coolant DIRECTLY BENEATH and inward of the thermostat housing, in what appears to be a small gap between the lower intake manifold and the block casting itself (note this is NOT puddling on top of the trans, but the block area adjoining it). Following is a link to a diagram of the engine with indications of the area where the puddling is spotted.
I was almost thinking it could be the thermostat bypass pipe or the intake manifold coolant pipe...but then it seems a little out of the way for either. This is where I open the floor to opinions and input. Am I looking at LIM gaskets AGAIN? Or something worse, like a head gasket? Any and all input is appreciated.
P.S. I apologize for the rambling post but my intent was to provide as much detailed information as possible, since we all know what a royal pain in the @$$ it can be trying to guess at problems with only vague descriptions.
Thanks folks.
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