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Hi folks,

I really need some help from GM3800 gurus. The N/A 3800 II in my regal ls got the updated LIM gasket (the aluminum GM parts) about three years ago. Last week I noticed the coolant leak around LIM at passenger side.

Pic URL is http://i52.tinypic.com/2u8832a.jpg in the case the pic is not properly displayed.

I first though it may be a bad coolant elbow since that is only coolant pass in that area (correct me if I am wrong). After replacing the elbow, I still have the coolant leak. I can actually see the coolant seeping from the red gasket after wiping the surface with a towel. So I am really confused what is wrong here? Where is the source of my coolant leak?

Thanks for reading my post.

The only thing that should be in that area is oil. I suppose that the coolant could leak past the LIM gasket in that area, and run down the gasket to find it's way out there. Has the engine overheated where the LIM could have warped, or the bolts for the LIM come loose?

I think you're going to have to tear it down and replace the gaskets again, and use a straight edge to make sure the LIM isn't warped in any way. If it is, your best bet will be getting one from a junkyard, just make sure that one isn't warped.

There were some folks reporting LIM bolts loosening up after replacing the LIM gaskets. I'd check the LIM and UIM bolts in that area for tightness first, and snug them down if they're loose. See if that stops the leak.

Just for what it's worth my 95 has a coolant leak in that exact spot. It was wet when I got it 5 years ago but now it leaks about a half gallon a month especially during the colder months.

azu wrote:Just for what it's worth my 95 has a coolant leak in that exact spot. It was wet when I got it 5 years ago but now it leaks about a half gallon a month especially during the colder months.

Thank you all for the help. AZU, thanks for your information. So you never fixed the problem and the motor already gave you 5-year good service? Since my car already passed 150KM, I am not sure if I want to mess with LIM gasket again. If the leak is minor, I will probably leave it as is.

If the leak is seeping past the LIM gasket, and out there, you can be certain that at least that much, and likely more, is leaking into the lifter valley and then into the oil. It's not something that I'd suggest that you ignore.

Archon wrote:If the leak is seeping past the LIM gasket, and out there, you can be certain that at least that much, and likely more, is leaking into the lifter valley and then into the oil. It's not something that I'd suggest that you ignore.

Well, I am also considering replacing the LIM gasket. A quick question, should I get new upper intake gasket or I can resuse it? The UIM was replaced three years ago with an updated GM unit.

I wouldn't re-use it. Is the UIM sleeved with a metal bushing and a reduced diameter stovepipe? Otherwise it's going to come back.

Couldn't help but notice the proximity to the notorious coolant elbow. What are the chances of it spraying on to the gasket, and running down from there?

RJolly87 wrote:Couldn't help but notice the proximity to the notorious coolant elbow. What are the chances of it spraying on to the gasket, and running down from there?

Thanks for the head up, that was my first guess and I went ahead replaced the elbows. The leak is still there. If I wipe out the wet area, I can actually see the fluid seeping from red gasket, while the elbow and upper area are dry. So I am pretty sure the coolant is seeping from the LIM gasket.

I agree with Beast...don't reuse the old gasket. If you haven't already, you may want to read over this techinfo article.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =53&t=3591

antibody wrote:

azu wrote:Just for what it's worth my 95 has a coolant leak in that exact spot. It was wet when I got it 5 years ago but now it leaks about a half gallon a month especially during the colder months.

Thank you all for the help. AZU, thanks for your information. So you never fixed the problem and the motor already gave you 5-year good service? Since my car already passed 150KM, I am not sure if I want to mess with LIM gasket again. If the leak is minor, I will probably leave it as is.

It just started leaking badly enough to have to add fluid monthly about a year ago. It leaks way more in the cold months and lately I'm putting in a little under a gallon a month. It needs to be changed. My son is using it until January and after that it sits until spring. I will start with, upon break down, at the coolant elbows to see if that is leaking. I don't see it coming from there but a hairline crack just inside the LIM would cause a leak like this. Good luck!