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01-17-2010, 07:06 PM
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Newbie from NC
Hey guys, I just signed up and need to find some info on my 96 Bonnie SLE. First off we have had this car for 5 yrs. and I have really have not had to do anything to it but normal maint. It has been a great car. It has 93,000 on it now and things are starting to need replacing. What repair manual(*) do you guys recommend? I like the Bently manual for my MK1 VWs. I need to replace the valve cover gaskets. Front will easy enough but the rear looks to be kind of tight on space. Looks like the alternator needs to come off to make job easier. Any suggestions appreciated. The other thing is a coolant leak coming from some where higher up on the block. I suspect head gasket but not 100% on that yet. Any ideas of areas that I need to check for leaks first. The freeze plugs on the back looked good. There is so much stuff in the way its hard to see much of the block or intake in the rear. Any insight from you experienced Bonnievillers is appreciated. And I will use the "search" feature.
Thanks
Thanks
01-17-2010, 07:12 PM
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your leak is more likely LIM gaskets, and if you do these two together, the alternator will be out of the way 
anyways welcome!
anyways welcome!
Last edited by Toddster; 01-17-2010 at 07:43 PM.
01-17-2010, 07:15 PM
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Welcome to the forum!!
Repair manual? Your looking at it right now! The help you get here far surpasses that of any manual. At least this manual talks back. lol
Repair manual? Your looking at it right now! The help you get here far surpasses that of any manual. At least this manual talks back. lol
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01-17-2010, 07:16 PM
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01-17-2010, 07:20 PM
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Welcome to the site.
To get the rear valve cover off, you need to remove the alternator support bracket, just remove the sensor and 2 bolts and it'* off. Also need to remove the MAP sensor bracket, 2 10mm bolts and it'* out of the way. Disconnect the fuel lines and that will also help. Remove the cross brace over the struts.
As for the coolant leak. Is it on the right side of the engine? If so, it'* the coolant elbow. These cost about $5 at a auto parts store. Changing your LIM gaskets would be a good idea. Be sure to use the aluminum gaskets.
To get the rear valve cover off, you need to remove the alternator support bracket, just remove the sensor and 2 bolts and it'* off. Also need to remove the MAP sensor bracket, 2 10mm bolts and it'* out of the way. Disconnect the fuel lines and that will also help. Remove the cross brace over the struts.
As for the coolant leak. Is it on the right side of the engine? If so, it'* the coolant elbow. These cost about $5 at a auto parts store. Changing your LIM gaskets would be a good idea. Be sure to use the aluminum gaskets.
01-17-2010, 07:41 PM
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Thanks for the info guys. I can't determine the exact location of the coolant leak. It seems to be on the left or passenger side. Is there a DIY page that would outline the procedure for changing the LIM'*.
01-17-2010, 07:46 PM
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The passenger side is the right side of the car. The sides are from the drivers seat. That would be your coolant elbow. Nearly everything is covered in the tech info area here. Have a look.
