I have a slow coolant leak in a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am and do not have money right now for an expensive repair.

Question

About 2000 miles ago the low coolant light in my car came on, It was time for an oil change so I took it in the next morning (to the dealer) and told them the light was on. After looking at it they said it was just a hair low and that they didn't see a leak, they topped it off and said they didn't think it was anything to worry about. Today the light came on again and I stopped at a Monro Muffler store and asked if they could add coolant - they did, but said there is obviously a slow leak somewhere - nothing is showing underneath, but I realize that it's not normal. with the holidays coming i'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem and if I continue to add coolant if it needs it, if it could wait 6 weeks or so to determine the cause of the leak. It could be something small like a hose, I realize, but fear it's something quite expensive - I have no money right now and I really don't know of a garage that offers a payment plan. Anyone else experienced this or have advice

Answer 1

the v6 engines do have an intake manifold problem, but it is not caused by the coolant, it has a plastic gasket that is embossed with rubber, the rubber separates from the plastic, this is the most likely cause of the leak, i use to replace them on a daily basis, it is an important repair,because if the coolant gets into your oil it will eat your bearings

Answer 2

I am not familiar with the Pontiac but have experienced something very similar with a Chevy V6. Since they are both GM, it is possible the problem is the same thing.
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On the V6 Chevy, the orange coolant eats away the intake manifold gaskets, to a point that a small leak develops into an intake port. This is why you don't see anything wet. The antifreeze gets sucked into the intake port and burned in cylinders; then comes out the exhaust as an undetectable bit of steam.
I ran my Chevy for several months after my mechanic clued me in on what was happening and never had a problem - other than having to add coolant once in a while.
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I am told that repair of this costs around $800 but wouldn't know because I traded mine off without repairing the problem.

Answer 3

well are you having a problem with your oil or coolant? if it is the coolant this could be less expense! a hose: take the leaking hose off go to a auto parts dealer like auto zone show them the hose they can get another one for you to put on yourself!2 hose clamps & a flat head screw driver! if it is a leaking radiator they make stuff call stop leak! its pretty cheap! if you are leaking oil could be a head gasket, oil pan gasket, or your oil filter!

Answer 4

FIRST THE ENGINE WITH THE INTAKE PROBLEMS WAS THE 3.1 AND YOU EITHER HAVE THE 2.2 OR THE 3.4 SO YOU SHOULD BE OKAY.

GM MAKES A SEALANT PRODUCT THAT HAS 5 SMALL PELLETS THAT YOU ADD TO THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND IT WILL NOT CLOG UP THE HEATER CORE OR HURT THE SYSTEM.

Answer 5

You could try a sealant product. They are at Walmart, most auto parts stores, etc. Its a small bottle and you'd put it in where the coolant would go. Typically a bottle is like $1.99 to maybe $6. if its slow like that it could fix your problem until you're able to afford it.

Its always in the auto section and typically right next to the coolants. Says sealer or sealant on the bottle.

Answer 6

if it is a slow enough leak, you may get lucky and
avoid damage. also, auto parts stores sell inexpensive
devices that could solve the proble, easy to do yourself.

Answer 7

its an intake manifold gasket. those cars are known for that, the dexcool coolant eats away the gasket.

Answer 8

this will work one raw egg I saw it on myth busters I tired it on my old 92 van and it worked it lasted for almost three weeks for me that was all the time i needed to get it fix good luck THE DUDERANGER....

Answer 9

first mistake was buying the pontiac (THE REDNECK CADILLAC)