Coolant Bypass Tubes

[Red RoadMonster]

Had the joy of replacing those and doing the water pump while there. All and all, not too hard of job. Did by the Dorman elbows but did get the GM o-rings. Can definitely feel the difference between the GM and Dorman o-rings.





GM o-rings on the left





Did manage to pull the broke off pieces out in 1 piece.....maybe from cutting the o-ring first??


This is a "Tack hook" $5 Came in handy for pulling the last piece out


Had a tough time lining up the tubes and the bolt holes putting it back together, pulled it out a couple times and ended up starting the bolts before pushing the tensioner back in. Got it all put back together and was putting everything away while the car ran, looked down and there sits a bolt....wtf....forgot a waterpump bolt

Links i found useful
http://buickforums.com/forums/threads/19727-coolant-bypass-tube

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t915511-
tensioner_assembly_removal_for_sii_3800_engine_and_bypass_elbows_99_and_up.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX__c6HZuCQ

 

[92sub]

Nice write-up...Thanks!
I used the new aluminum Dorman tubes on the last car I did.....let's hope they last longer thna the year the non-GM plastic ones seemed to last.
I like the idea of using the GM o-rings so I think I'm going to order a few for my toolbox (I always keep a set of coolant tubes handy.....too many 3800's in the family not to have a set).

 

[HotZ28]

Thanks for the pic's and the contribution to the Regal forums. I am sure this info will be beneficial to many people with the same problem and concerns. BTW, we know that this engine was not in your RM, but not everyone would. That is why it is a good idea to post the body style (GS, LSE or LS) year, engine (VIN-K or Vin I) somewhere in the thread.