perfect! will report back!

Have the 'elbows' but am lost where to start. How do they come out? sorry.....

I believe you will need to pull the water pump, or the LIM. I've never done just a elbow replacement. Billboost might know a trick for that.

To swap the elbows, disconnect the battery and remove the alternator. Then there are three bolts holding the alternator bracket to the motor

In this pic you can see the holes.


When you wiggle that off, you have both elbows accessible. Clean the holes with steel wool and then lube the o-rings with either vasoline, oil or something slippery. Slide then into the tensioner/alt bracket and put it all back together. Bolt things back together, refill and burp the coolant and you are back on the road.

Thanks!!!!!!!!! Will report back.

(and I can't figure why '2001, Silver SSEi doesn't show up on my posts?)

I added it to your signature for you. Check it out.

It'* been four days and no leakage! The 'elbows' were badly deteriorated. I must admit I had a brilliant idea, I drained the coolant before I started!

Thanks

What about the overheating, lack of heat in the passenger compartment, etc.?

Everything is normal! Coolant level steady, temp guage steady, passenger compartment consistent heat.

That'* great. Glad to hear it. Just in time for the cold winter months.