Coolant Leaks
11-19-2004, 01:39 PM
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Coolant Leaks
Hey everyone,
My grandfather said this morning that he lost a lot of coolant from his '95 Bonneville, and when I looked at it, there was a puddle of antifreeze on the passenger side of the engine right below the PCV valve. There is a plastic tube going from the belt tensioner into the engine block right below the PCV and if you squeeze the main hose, coolant will trickle from where the tube enters the engine. Can someone please tell me what that tube is for first of all, and second what the problem might be. The tube itself is fine. Thanks a lot.
My grandfather said this morning that he lost a lot of coolant from his '95 Bonneville, and when I looked at it, there was a puddle of antifreeze on the passenger side of the engine right below the PCV valve. There is a plastic tube going from the belt tensioner into the engine block right below the PCV and if you squeeze the main hose, coolant will trickle from where the tube enters the engine. Can someone please tell me what that tube is for first of all, and second what the problem might be. The tube itself is fine. Thanks a lot.
11-19-2004, 01:51 PM
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Sounds like the composite elbow failed. Try removing the hose and see if there is a plastic fitting there. I believe that'* a pretty cheap part, but I don't know the number or exact name right now
11-19-2004, 02:38 PM
#3
It'* called the coolant by-pass elbow. Goes between the lower intake manifold and the belt tensioner. $7 part from the dealership! 
It is common for them to fail, btw.
It is common for them to fail, btw.
11-19-2004, 02:42 PM
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Yep. Mine just failed too. Replacement is metal. I paid $25 Canadian at the dealer. The hose is $21 Canadian, but I am going to try to use a 5/8" heater hose (doing it this weekend).
11-19-2004, 02:58 PM
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Thanks a lot for your replies everyone. I am relieved that it is such a cheap fix. Is it easy to replace the elbow?
11-19-2004, 03:01 PM
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Depends on where it broke. Mine broke in my LeSabre (same engine, in case you didn't know). It broke off flush with the block, so the repair shop claimed they had a heck of a time getting it out.
My thinking is that if you can wedge something in the plastic part to turn it, it shouldn't be a big deal. Even better if enough of it is sticking out so you can grab it with some pliers or something
My thinking is that if you can wedge something in the plastic part to turn it, it shouldn't be a big deal. Even better if enough of it is sticking out so you can grab it with some pliers or something
11-19-2004, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by faisalmali
Yep. Mine just failed too. Replacement is metal. I paid $25 Canadian at the dealer. The hose is $21 Canadian, but I am going to try to use a 5/8" heater hose (doing it this weekend).
They have these in metal? The dealer I deal with doesn't have a metal one (I inquired when I had to buy a new one). I'm gonna cheak another dealership. Metal would be much more durable..
11-19-2004, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by vital49
Originally Posted by faisalmali
Yep. Mine just failed too. Replacement is metal. I paid $25 Canadian at the dealer. The hose is $21 Canadian, but I am going to try to use a 5/8" heater hose (doing it this weekend).
They have these in metal? The dealer I deal with doesn't have a metal one (I inquired when I had to buy a new one). I'm gonna cheak another dealership. Metal would be much more durable..
Check BigJ'* response on the attached:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ant+elbow+part
11-19-2004, 03:27 PM
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Thanks a lot guys. Yea, mine seems to be broken flush with the block. I guess it wouldn't be easy. Oh well. How does it work, Is it threaded so I have to turn it, or do I just pull it. I am sorry for the silly questions, but I don't know a lot about these engines.