Bypass hose bit the dust - 2002 Regal
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Bypass hose bit the dust - 2002 Regal
Hello All....
I've been searching the net for the past several days, thanks to my 2002 Regal suddenly starting to lose coolant. I took it to my cousion who'* a mechanic and we looked around the car for a good bit and we couldn't figure out where it was leaking from. We checked the water pump and hose'*, nothing was found.
However I noticed that between the intake manifold was some coolant and sure enough, there'* where it'* coming from. So I started looking for why this would happen and noticed there was a bulletin on this but no recall, wonderful. I even found an image of the issue, but I'm pretty sure most Buick Regal owners with the Series II 3800 already know where I'm going.
Problem is my cousin has never worked on this engine before and he isn't sure how to go about fixing it. Do we need to tear the engine apart or can we simply remove the alternator and water put? If anyone'* even done the work or paid to have it done at the dealer, could you please let me know... last time I need is for this to start destroying my gaskets.
Thanks
I've been searching the net for the past several days, thanks to my 2002 Regal suddenly starting to lose coolant. I took it to my cousion who'* a mechanic and we looked around the car for a good bit and we couldn't figure out where it was leaking from. We checked the water pump and hose'*, nothing was found.
However I noticed that between the intake manifold was some coolant and sure enough, there'* where it'* coming from. So I started looking for why this would happen and noticed there was a bulletin on this but no recall, wonderful. I even found an image of the issue, but I'm pretty sure most Buick Regal owners with the Series II 3800 already know where I'm going.
Problem is my cousin has never worked on this engine before and he isn't sure how to go about fixing it. Do we need to tear the engine apart or can we simply remove the alternator and water put? If anyone'* even done the work or paid to have it done at the dealer, could you please let me know... last time I need is for this to start destroying my gaskets.
Thanks
Retired Senior Admin
Expert Gearhead
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 43
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Well known problem. Seen it many times. Those cost under $5 at autozone. A few hours of easy work and it'* fixed.
Just remove the alt/tensioner bracket and your all set.
Just remove the alt/tensioner bracket and your all set.
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
Dorman part #47065 is the pack of replacement elbows you will want. (There'* another lower down).
Pull the strut tower bar (if equipped)
Disconnect battery
Drain off about half of the coolant
Remove overflow container from strut tower.
Remove the alternator
Remove the alternator bracket/tensioner assembly. There is one bolt that you won't be able to see at the back of the bracket.
(elbows are facing backwards in this pic)
Pull out the old pieces of the coolant elbows (bypass) and wipe out the holes where they go. Lube the new o-rings with oil or something and line up the elbows in the tensioner bracket. Put the bracket back in place and bolt it back in. Put alternator back on, coolant bottle, connect power, fill with coolant and you are all set.
This job pays about .5 and shouldn't be that bad for a mechanic.
Pull the strut tower bar (if equipped)
Disconnect battery
Drain off about half of the coolant
Remove overflow container from strut tower.
Remove the alternator
Remove the alternator bracket/tensioner assembly. There is one bolt that you won't be able to see at the back of the bracket.
(elbows are facing backwards in this pic)
Pull out the old pieces of the coolant elbows (bypass) and wipe out the holes where they go. Lube the new o-rings with oil or something and line up the elbows in the tensioner bracket. Put the bracket back in place and bolt it back in. Put alternator back on, coolant bottle, connect power, fill with coolant and you are all set.
This job pays about .5 and shouldn't be that bad for a mechanic.
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