1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

cracked bypass pump

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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 03:37 PM
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Default cracked bypass pump

The mechanic tells me the bypass pump has cracked and allowed the coolant to drain out. What exactly is a bypass pump, and is it easy to fix? Funny that ithe coolant drained out the radiator but the tank is still full??? It'* a 97 SE.

Mechanic explained it goes from the intake to the belt tensioner. trying to pressure me into fixing it ($170), saying that a rod or something goes through it, and that the engine will fail once the fluid runs out. WTF- I've been driving it like that for 3 days now it didn't fail yet I think I should get it home and bust out my wrenches.
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 03:55 PM
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He'* referring to the by pass tube that goes from the belt tensioner to the lower intake manifold. It'* not uncommon for them to break on the L36s. It'* a $7.00 part from GM. However, changing it can be a lot of work. You either have to remove the lower intake manifold (requires pulling the upper first) or remove the belt tensioner.

Driving on a cracket by pass tube is not wise. If the coolant leaks out of the system that could create an overheat scenario. You don't want to seize the block!
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 04:25 PM
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Normally I'd take the repair on myself but I have no time until Thursday at the earliest. If the mechanic gets to it through the manifold that means he'll have to replace the dreaded intake gasket right? Two birds with one stone
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 05:34 PM
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He should be able to back the broken part out with a large screw extractor. I'm not familiar with the SII, but, if either, I'd remove the belt tensioner instead of the intake manifold.
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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by jwikoff99
He should be able to back the broken part out with a large screw extractor. I'm not familiar with the SII, but, if either, I'd remove the belt tensioner instead of the intake manifold.
If its a series 2 the belt tensioner is the way to go. The alternator and may have to be removed too depending on your year.
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Old Oct 12, 2004 | 07:47 AM
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The tensioner is the easier way to go...

But, if you've never had your lower gaskets and upper intake replaced, it might be a good time to do the preventative maintenance anyway on those items.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 03:09 PM
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Thanks everyone. $120 later and the car runs perfect again. Except for the surging of course
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:03 PM
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lol

I just replaced mine on my car last night for $40 (did it all myself). I will admit. Getting out the old half in the threads was a pain in the ...

Runs great now though.
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