2000 Bonneville coolant in oil.
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2000 Bonneville coolant in oil.
I inherited this car from my parents 3 months ago who have always taken care of it and it has never been abused. It has 112k miles and the original Dex cool until I got it at 107k miles and had it flushed. Since I've had it I have noticed evidence of some seepage of coolant where the intake meets the head. I've also noticed a coolant smell sometimes. Just recently when I was checking the oil I saw some orange colored liquid in the oil cap tube. There was also white milkshake like stuff built up on the oil cap. Now it'* not overheating and it runs fine so could the LIM or UIM be the culprit or both? I'm not using any noticeable amount of coolant. I'm hoping it'* not the headgasket or worse. I'm still driving it everyday until this Friday when I'm going to replace the LIM and UIM. I guess my question is, if it was the headgasket or a cracked head or something would there be telltale signs and noticeable loss in performance? Can the LIM failing cause coolant in oil? BTW since I saw the orange liquid I wiped it off and a little showed up a week later but it'* been another week and it'* still clean. Any advice or opinions will be greatly appreciated. Cheers! Paul
#2
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The LIM gaskets and the UIM EGR port are the vastly common leak points for coolant. I think if it'* getting into the oil, it'* more likely the LIM gaskets than the UIM. Make sure to get the aluminum framed ones. The headgaskets rarely fail in a 3800. I'm not one of the Series II experts around here, so hopefully someone will show up and correct me if I'm wrong on anything.
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I agree that your planned work should take care of your problem. If you live in a cold climate, some water can form on the oil filler cap until the engine is pretty well warmed up.
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Well I already bought the Fel Pro lower gaskets today, should I return them and get the GM gaskets? If the Fel Pros will last another 100k miles I 'll be fine with them. Should I get the coolant elbows and if so, what is the part number? Cheers, Paul
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Thanks, I'll keep you guys posted as I'll be doing the work on Friday. Right now I'm running at about 200 degrees so I'm hoping it'll run a little cooler after this. Next is to tackle the rear brake humming noise I'm sure that you are familiar with.
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Thanks, harofreak I'm going to try to post some pics of the replacement. Although I'm a little strapped for cash so I might just stick with the Fel Pro LIM gasket.