Coolant Leak - not bonne
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Coolant Leak - not bonne
Sorry if this is against any rules or something, but I have a quick general question about my Mom'* Grand Am. I looked for some Grand Am forums but they were down or dead, and you guys are really knowledgable.
The problem is it'* loosing coolant FAST, and I have no idea from where. I will fill it up then a few days later the light will come on and the overflow will be empty. It'* not leaking out when it'* parked overnight, because there isn't a puddle under the car. Maybe a drop or two. Unless it'* all leaking out when the car is driving, where else can the stuff be going?
It'* a 94 SE with 154000km on it.
The problem is it'* loosing coolant FAST, and I have no idea from where. I will fill it up then a few days later the light will come on and the overflow will be empty. It'* not leaking out when it'* parked overnight, because there isn't a puddle under the car. Maybe a drop or two. Unless it'* all leaking out when the car is driving, where else can the stuff be going?
It'* a 94 SE with 154000km on it.
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You might want to get the cooling system pressure tested to find out where the leak is. I guess the worst case would be the Head Gasket. That is why you might not see anything on the ground. It'* being sucked thru the engine. Not a good feeling. Then again, it could be nothing more than a bad water pump. Losing the water out of it when your driving but you wouldn't lose it as fast as you're describing. I don't know if this has a composite manifold.
Maybe this would be better off in the "Lounge" area?
Maybe this would be better off in the "Lounge" area?
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What motor does it have in it? I'm HOPING not the quad-four. If it is be prepared to be writing some BIG checks. These motors are absolute GARBAGE. They are known for catastrophic failures, especially head gaskets. Last year, we had 5; yes FIVE of them come in with dissappearing coolant or rod knocks. Even simple repairs on them are a nightmare, we don't even like workin on them. So that'* the prognosis on those. Now if your car has the 3100/3300 V6 ( i forget in those years) you're probably still looking at a head or intake gasket leak. But it'* much easier and less costly to work on these motors that it is on the QUAD-FOUR. Get back to us on the engine specs.
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Yea, the lounge would probably be better...maybe a mod can move it plz? 
My Mom came home and said the "Low Coolant" light won't shut off now. I checked and the res is still full, so I don't know whats up. The car is running fine right now and the oil is normal colored. I guess we will see what happens over the next couple of days.
edit: its the 3100 V6
My Mom came home and said the "Low Coolant" light won't shut off now. I checked and the res is still full, so I don't know whats up. The car is running fine right now and the oil is normal colored. I guess we will see what happens over the next couple of days.
edit: its the 3100 V6
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Ok if its a 94 and a V6 then its the Vin M 3100 V6...
I see you were talking about the " Low Coolant " light.... Is the car actually consuming coolant like crazy?
It is incredibly common for the intake gaskets to fail on all of the 3100 and 3400 engines... Its not a matter if it will happen but rather a matter of when... at 11 years old its way way beyond due for a set of intake gaskets... Bad part tho is that you actually have to remove all of the roacker arms and pushrods to replace the gaskets...
If this car is loosing coolant in a hurry and you have no idea where its leaking, as in nothing on the ground ever, Then I suggest replaceing the gaskets...
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I see you were talking about the " Low Coolant " light.... Is the car actually consuming coolant like crazy?
It is incredibly common for the intake gaskets to fail on all of the 3100 and 3400 engines... Its not a matter if it will happen but rather a matter of when... at 11 years old its way way beyond due for a set of intake gaskets... Bad part tho is that you actually have to remove all of the roacker arms and pushrods to replace the gaskets...
If this car is loosing coolant in a hurry and you have no idea where its leaking, as in nothing on the ground ever, Then I suggest replaceing the gaskets...
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From: Richfield, MN
Oh well 3100 u lucked out. As far as that light goes, IGNORE IT. They have the worst sensors ever, the give false readings more that the homeland security department. Just keep an eye on the coolant level. If it'* not leaking on the ground i'd say either the intake gaskets or the head gaskets are the culprit. These motors have a problem with both, but intakes more. Just watch it for ur poor old mom.
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I'm not too sure to the extent it'* been happening since my Dad only told me what was happening today. I'll ask him tomorrow since he'* working. It wouldn't be too bad if that was the problem because this car is MINT visually and mechanically, and it has never had a problem other than normal maitenance. I'll keep an eye on it everyday to look for obvious drops in coolant levels. If it gets bad again it'll hit the shop.
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