Coolant Leak found but dont know what it is

[TrentDogg7]

I have a 2002 Buick century (3.1 v6) thats been leaking coolant for a while now. The other day i shut off the car and saw a stream of smoke and i was able to figure out where its from but i dont know what this is. It looks like theres a hole in the block but I honestly don’t know. All the coolant related parts have been replaced aside from heater core hoses. Here is where its coming from. Another View. This area is just above the belt tensioner and underneath the exhaust.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Here's a search on the forum that has additional posts on the subject which may help.

Search results for query: Coolant leak

buickforums.com

 

[mikec6201]

Did you replace the water pump ? Also I see you're a Lliac fan !

 

[Waiex191]

Hard to tell from the video but it looks sort of like the junction of the head and the block. Is that right? If so probably the head gasket.

 

[NFortin1966]

Looks like the head gasket to me as well.

 

[century61]

With such a zoomed in view its not really possible to tell you where the leak is. What I can tell you were I think it probably is: Intake Manifold gaskets or Head gaskets. Ive done the IMG's on my GF's 2003 Malibu 3100. They are really not hard to do and its a great learning experience. If you have to do the head gaskets then just do both the IMG's and head gasket(s). Our Malibu is now around 190,000 miles no issues. While I was in there I also replaced the injectors - Which you could just clean instead - but I didnt want too.

 

[TrentDogg7]

Did you replace the water pump ? Also I see you're a Lliac fan !

Yes, i did the waterpump a few months ago, probably gonna end up scrapping the car. Ive put so much money and time into it. I dont really have the time to take apart the motor. I dont know how much longer she can kick for. Im at roughly 175k

 

[TrentDogg7]

With such a zoomed in view its not really possible to tell you where the leak is. What I can tell you were I think it probably is: Intake Manifold gaskets or Head gaskets. Ive done the IMG's on my GF's 2003 Malibu 3100. They are really not hard to do and its a great learning experience. If you have to do the head gaskets then just do both the IMG's and head gasket(s). Our Malibu is now around 190,000 miles no issues. While I was in there I also replaced the injectors - Which you could just clean instead - but I didnt want too.

Thank you so much for your insight. My buicks at 175k ish im not sure if its worth the time to fix it though😕

 

[TrentDogg7]

Hard to tell from the video but it looks sort of like the junction of the head and the block. Is that right? If so probably the head gasket.

Yes, looks to be the case. Thank you so much. It seems as though im going to have to do all the gaskets. I bought the car at 140k a little over a year ago and have put a lot of work into it. I was unfamiliar with these motors at the time so i just kept on filling it up and it got worse. Gaskets havent been done at least as of my ownership

 

[century61]

Thank you so much for your insight. My buicks at 175k ish im not sure if its worth the time to fix it though😕

IMHO, Looking at today's car market it might be worth repairing. If the body is in decent shape and these are the only problems then it might be worth it. Especially if your needing a car in its place.

 

[TrentDogg7]

IMHO, Looking at today's car market it might be worth repairing. If the body is in decent shape and these are the only problems then it might be worth it. Especially if your needing a car in its place.

Exactly. The underneath is ugly thanks to ohio, but i will consider the repair. If no major engine damage has been caused. I hope it’s only been an external leak, guess ill see cause I’ll have to replace all the gaskets. I’ll try to find some time this week to tackle it

 

[century61]

Exactly. The underneath is ugly thanks to ohio, but i will consider the repair. If no major engine damage has been caused. I hope it’s only been an external leak, guess ill see cause I’ll have to replace all the gaskets. I’ll try to find some time this week to tackle it

I hate working on my cars in the winter time.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

I hate working on my cars in the winter time.

I hear you brother. I just had a local repair shop replace my brake booster for 150 bucks labor. 😀

 

[TrentDogg7]

I hate working on my cars in the winter time.

I hear you brother. I just had a local repair shop replace my brake booster for 150 bucks labor. 😀

Around a year or so ago when i got this car i did a majority of the repairs in the snow😢. Brake lines, drums, etc. i dont like shops doing work for me. I took this car to get tires twice and both times they broke something😪

 

[Mad_Coachman]

I know what you mean. I generally do all of my own work but just didn't feel like it this time. Also at the age of 64 now I'm not as limber as I used to be. 😉
I just came back from a half hour drive and she stops like brand new. The shop did a great job. 😎

 

[Waiex191]

With such a zoomed in view its not really possible to tell you where the leak is. What I can tell you were I think it probably is: Intake Manifold gaskets or Head gaskets. Ive done the IMG's on my GF's 2003 Malibu 3100. They are really not hard to do and its a great learning experience. If you have to do the head gaskets then just do both the IMG's and head gasket(s). Our Malibu is now around 190,000 miles no issues. While I was in there I also replaced the injectors - Which you could just clean instead - but I didnt want too.

Once you have the intake off, it is not much further to go for the head gasket. One thing you have to consider is if you can get the manifold bolts out ok. I did the intake gasket but not the head gasket - didn't need it.

 

[TrentDogg7]

Once you have the intake off, it is not much further to go for the head gasket. One thing you have to consider is if you can get the manifold bolts out ok. I did the intake gasket but not the head gasket - didn't need it.

Came to the conclusion I’m gonna replace all of the gaskets, o rings, and bolts. It’s the last problem i have with this car, I’ll be pleased to see 300k on the odometer some day

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

I hear you brother. I just had a local repair shop replace my brake booster for 150 bucks labor. 😀

I did that for brake lines in 2019 december. it was below zero and I was just like... no....... I an not doing them.

Then i get an idiot who runs them without any effort in the world, leaves shit unbolted, and I end up chasing issues from that for months. FIRST time getting a service other than alignment or tires at a shop..... only time since aswell.

 

[Waiex191]

My writeup on the intake manifold gasket replacement starts on page 2 of my thread.

Another new member with a 2000 Century

Thank you Zeroboostbuick! All good info.

buickforums.com

Page 1+ has all my brake plumbing.

Important info from CorvairGeek:

Don't mix up the push rods! Seems many folks can wipe out a 3100/3400 by mixing up the long and short ones. It is an interference engine. No doubt the substantial difference in length will jump out a you, but some don't notice.