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Leaking Intake Gasket on '01 SSEi

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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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Default Leaking Intake Gasket on '01 SSEi

Just noticed I've lost about 1/4 o'flow reservoir fluid since thermostat, fluid flush and upper hose changed about 30 days ago. Before that = no coolant loss.

Funny thing is:

1. No antifreeze smell inside or outside.
2. No external leaks of oil or fluid anywhere on engine.
3. No foaming evident on dispstick (oil looks very clean and uh "oily".
4. It'* been cold and I've noticed a fair amount of clear condensation on underside of oil fill cap (yes I "sampled it". It tastes sweel but is clear like condensate.
5. After about an 11 mile run consensate is apparent. Thirty-forth mile runs evaporate the condensate.
6. Engine temp runs normal at 200 deg F. No overheating.
7. Acceleration is strong and idle is smooth.
8. No noticeable "steam" from tail pipes.

One week ago I refilled reservoir tank and marked locations of fluid when hot and when cold. After 1 week of driving I've noticed about 1/8" drop in fluid level.

Am I being anal? Should I be concerned? I'm hating like heck to tear the SC off.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 01:22 PM
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How many miles on the car?
You see no leaks externally and no obvious signs of it using or burning.

Run it for another couple weeks watching the bottle for a drop. It is possible there is some small amount of air coming out fo the cooling system.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 04:22 PM
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Answer: 65K. It'* in my signature.
Usage: Dropped about 1-1/2" since the antifreeze flush, but I remember purging air (I thought I got it all; maybe not) at the nipple on the thermo housing.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 05:11 PM
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its very possible that it didnt burp completely when you did the flush.. i would do as bill suggested, and run it for a few more weeks, and keep an eye on the level... there isnt many instances of SSEis loeaking from the intake gasket, i would make sure that the petcock for the radiator is fully seated, also, triple check the hose connections, and thermostat housing for any seepage
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:56 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Will do.
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 02:36 AM
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Also, check your radiator cap. I had some slowly seeping out from there. Replaced it, and everything'* fine now.
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 07:36 AM
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The lower gaskets do degrade over time, however when I got to mine at 140K and 8 years old they needed to be done, but weren't problem.

I myself have gone through extensive steps of purging air from the system, and found that once the system is below the intake manifold there are many possibilities for air pockets.
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 06:43 PM
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Thanks billboost,

I'm leaning more towards air I did not purge. Will watch cooant level carefully.
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Old Jan 20, 2006 | 10:53 PM
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Update..................

In the last week I've lost another 1" of coolant. Abolutely no external leaks.... no smell!

I still can't believe I have a gasket leak between the supercharger and intake. Where is the most likely place to look for a leak. I would think the supercharger gasket would NOT be the source of the problem.
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