Antifreeze loss
02-22-2003, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by willwren
You have the EGR-less 92......after we get you through this coolant thing, we'll have some warnings and advice for lengthening the life of that car. 92 was an oddball in this regard. Still a damn good car though.
Welcome to the forum!
Welcome to the forum!
I'll be interested to hear what made the '92 an oddball. Well, I could guess 2 things you would tell me are the front hub assemblies and the torque converter. You're right about it being a great car though--I definitely don't baby her, but she looks and runs almost as good as the day I got her. I'd like to keep Bonnie running for 2-3 more years because I've gone back to school and won't be able to afford another car 'til I'm done (and maybe not even then)!
Thanks again for the help--glad I found this site!
02-22-2003, 02:31 PM
#12
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Jseabert lives right next door to me. He'd never even changed his oil before. He did the whole upper intake, lower intake, and heads just using my book. The book was 12 bucks. Don't sell yourself short. Anyone can do this.
92 SE and SSE were EGR-less. That leaves them prone to burning valves. Extra care should be taken, in particular, the 180 stat and even adding a tranny cooler. Deathrat can give you more information on that. He'* got one too. There'* also some information about both of these subjects up in Techinfo. Link at the top of the page!
92 SE and SSE were EGR-less. That leaves them prone to burning valves. Extra care should be taken, in particular, the 180 stat and even adding a tranny cooler. Deathrat can give you more information on that. He'* got one too. There'* also some information about both of these subjects up in Techinfo. Link at the top of the page!
03-03-2003, 11:46 AM
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99 Bonneville SE
I have a 99 bonneville SE seems to be having the same problem. I'm losing anti freeze and there are no obvious leaks. Is the 99 engine the same?
Originally Posted by 95BonnevilleSESC
I agree with SSEi95.
These plastic intakes are known for cracking. There are a few things you should know. If you continue to drive the car as is, you take the risk of hydrolocking the engine. In the worst case scenario, this means a new engine as potential bent rods and valves make for a nasty repair--not to mention the scoring that may occur in your cylendar walls.
Have it replaced (but keep in mind that it may be covered under your warrenty--it it hasn't already expired). This is usually a very costly repair if you don't do it yourself.
To help avoid this in the future, change your T-stat out to a 180 degree unit. they are $10-$15 and can help keep that plastic intake cooler, and thus less prone to cracking around the EGR valve. This is the one piece on the L36 engine that is poorly engineered. It was designed to be light weight and economical to produce, while giving increased hp, but just doesn't hold up to the heat.
Good luck, keep us posted!
These plastic intakes are known for cracking. There are a few things you should know. If you continue to drive the car as is, you take the risk of hydrolocking the engine. In the worst case scenario, this means a new engine as potential bent rods and valves make for a nasty repair--not to mention the scoring that may occur in your cylendar walls.
Have it replaced (but keep in mind that it may be covered under your warrenty--it it hasn't already expired). This is usually a very costly repair if you don't do it yourself.
To help avoid this in the future, change your T-stat out to a 180 degree unit. they are $10-$15 and can help keep that plastic intake cooler, and thus less prone to cracking around the EGR valve. This is the one piece on the L36 engine that is poorly engineered. It was designed to be light weight and economical to produce, while giving increased hp, but just doesn't hold up to the heat.
Good luck, keep us posted!
03-03-2003, 04:21 PM
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Thanks for the reply, another question
What should I check to figure out if its the manifold or a water pump going out on me?
The car has 90k, (thats why I'm thinking water pump).
I haven't seen any leaks. There is no anti freeze smell.
Thanks
The car has 90k, (thats why I'm thinking water pump).
I haven't seen any leaks. There is no anti freeze smell.
Thanks
Originally Posted by willwren
All the same. Plastic upper intakes were used from 92-present. The worst problems are from 95 on, but the 92-94 still had them too.
03-03-2003, 07:34 PM
#18
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If your water pump gets bad enough, you WILL leak to the outside. If it'* not extra noisy, and coolant isn't coming from the weep holes, ignore the pump. Pull your spark plugs and inspect them. They should all have the light tan deposits. If one or two look a little different, you probably have coolant coming through at the corresponding intake runners. You might be lucky....it might just be seals. But it might be cracked, too.
03-07-2003, 03:08 PM
#19
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antifreeze leak
Okay, repairs underway! You guys asked to be kept informed.
My nephew typically works on my cars but he'* better at older
cars (sans computers). For newer cars he engages his brother.
I handed them a printout of these postings and they instantly
agreed.
The upper intake has a hole in it and is being replaced
He'* also going to replace the gaskets for good measure
and put in a 180 thermostat.
Says GM put these damn things in the car to insure more
money for themselves on repairs. Says he'* done hundreds
of these things but otherwise thinks the Bonneville is a
great car.
Also, oil was slightly 'sweet' with antifreeze, so I'm getting an oil
change too. Thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge.
I love this car and want to keep it forever! You guys rule!
(Also, this relates to my other thread MY BONNIE HATES RAIN.)
My nephew typically works on my cars but he'* better at older
cars (sans computers). For newer cars he engages his brother.
I handed them a printout of these postings and they instantly
agreed.
The upper intake has a hole in it and is being replaced
He'* also going to replace the gaskets for good measure
and put in a 180 thermostat.
Says GM put these damn things in the car to insure more
money for themselves on repairs. Says he'* done hundreds
of these things but otherwise thinks the Bonneville is a
great car.
Also, oil was slightly 'sweet' with antifreeze, so I'm getting an oil
change too. Thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge.
I love this car and want to keep it forever! You guys rule!
(Also, this relates to my other thread MY BONNIE HATES RAIN.)
04-22-2003, 11:08 PM
#20
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Frustrated
I've been chasing a leak on my 93 SE for a while now. I noticed antifreeze smell and some rattleing sound coming from the engine. I took it home and spotted heavy dripping coming from the area of the oil filter. With these symptoms I figured that it was the waterpump for sure. It took me a lot of time to figure out how to get that torque axis mount out of the way, but I finally did it. With the new pump in place I started adding coolant back in, only to find that it started dripping again, without ever starting the engine. I can't find the leak anywhere. Just a steady drip coming from behind the bracket that mounts the oil filter.
Will try to see if there is anything near the upper intake manifold and the little hose coming out of the top of the water pump.
thanks for the hints.
:?
Will try to see if there is anything near the upper intake manifold and the little hose coming out of the top of the water pump.
thanks for the hints.
:?