Coolant problem

[zeuss]

My 2002 SSEI coolant keeps disappearing. This is my first ssei. Haven't noticed anything around elbow or pump or anywhere else for that matter. Car runs fine and mileage is still 21-22 as normal. Wondering if there are any known problems such as the non supercharged intakes that I can look at for a problem. Thanks

[96 SSEi]

hi, please take a careful look at the left side of engine and see if the coolant is leaking from the water pump weep hole - how much coolant are you losing?

[zeuss]

I had filled the overflow tank to proper level about 3 weeks ago. Noticed this morning about an inch left in it. And I will check again. I'll park on a clean surface also. Maybe I just missed it. And i haven't pressure checked yet either.

[96 SSEi]

yes, find out if its leaking and from where - when the car is at full operating temp( 200f) do you have good pressure from the upper rad hose or is it easily squeezed?

[nos4blood70]

Check your oil for milkshake and moisture. Lower intake manifold could also be a problem.

[MikeKerr]

Last time my 2001 SSEi had a leak with signs like yours, the upper passenger side of the radiator developed a hairline crack. Took me a while to pinpoint the crack. Over time the crack got bigger and then tiny pools of coolant were found after filling the coolant overflow and driving in hot weather (then parking).

Most likely it is a coolant elbow or a LIM gasket, but wanted to mention the radiator issue I had.

[zeuss]

I haven't noticed any visible leaks yet. I'm gonna try to pressure check this weekend. Top hose is tight when trying to squeeze when at operating temp. Oil is correct level on dipstick. No signs of milkiness either. Car gets about 100 miles a day put on it. At 95k now. Only been through 1 winter. Stored the rest.

[MKMike]

Another area to look at carefully, is below the supercharger. Often coolant pools there when the SC engine's LIM gaskets are failing.
There are other signs of failing LIM gaskets at GM 3800 Tips on Facebook.
It's an excellent list as it puts the symptoms in order of the severity of failure.

https://www.facebook.com/GM3800Tips/pos ... 8071634026