Yup...that'* on a L27, though. I'm looking for a metal application on a L36.

Threaded. Remember: Righty Tighty, Left Loosey...

Ok, I will do this tomorrow. Will also replace the thermostat and flush the cooling system while I am at it. I should use a 180 F thermostat, right? This is my final question, and if someone could answer it for me I would really appreciate it: those of you who have replaced these elbows, how do you do it. Does each end of it screw in independently, and will I have to remove parts like the belt tensioner. If you could give me general guidelines or instructions on this replacement, I would really appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

I'll put in my two cents on this one. I just had the same problem on a '95 K vin Bonnie. Since the replacement part is a hard plastic elbow (and nothing is going to bend or give) I saw no other way to replace it than to remove the whole belt tensioner assy. One end goes into the assy and one end goes in the block. Mine broke in the block. I just reached in with a screw driver and pryed out the broken ring of plastic and the old o-ring. On my '95 K vin it had an o-ring on each end. I put a little grease on each ring and slid it in after I was sure that I had all the old pieces out. Of course you have to be careful not to scratch the surface of the hole prying pieces out.

To take off the tensioner assy you will have to remove the belt (not all the way just slip it off the pulleys), and remove the alternator. It isn't a huge deal, I would say an hour or two total. The alternator is very easy. Just unclip on wire and leave the rest on and swing it out of the way. You shouldn't have to remove the hoses off of the tensioner assy other end and you should be able to just move the tensioner a little just to insert the elbow on the other end. Remember that the tensioner also has fittings into the block so you will need to pull it away from the block and pull those fittings out before you can move it side to side.

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much.

Is your car a vin k non supercharged?
It would help if you put this in your signature.

Yes it is vin K non-supercharged. Well, I fixed everything today and it went very smoothly. I want to commend GM on making all engine accesories like the alternator and tensioner very easy to remove. Thanks a lot for all your help everyone. I couldn't have done it without you.

I think this is now the problem I am facing but maybe not because my hole isnt threaded and there is a bracket at the end of the metal hose that bolts to the lower intake manifold.

That'* great. You gotta love it when you fix a coolant leak for under $10.

I have a L36 3.8L vin K '96 Olds 98 Elite
I've got everything out of the way of the tensioner housing and the bots out of the housing too. Does the housing just pull away from the block? it seems to be caught near the bottom where it looks like a metal pipe going into the block.
I'd pry it but Im leary of causing more damage.

Any Help appreciated !!!
Popa Tim