Coolent leak

[lavecchia]

I have a small coolant leak between the plastic intake manifold and the metal throttle body any ideas

 

[dcraig1000]

you need to replace the gasket. upper and lower.

 

[Cadillac_AL]

I would try tightening the throttle body first, or remove it and inspect the gasket and clean it while it's off.

 

[dcraig1000]

you could try that, but thats a big time problem area right where the manifold and tb meet.

 

[HotZ28]

Without knowing the year of your car, it sounds like you need FEL-PRO Part # 61093 which fits BUICK PARK AVENUE (1995 - 2005)

 

[Enslow]

When you pull the throttle body, check the condition of the UIM. Sometime the plastic degrades in that region.

Also, check to see if you have plastic LIM gaskets. If they are plastic, change them anyway. I changed the ones on my wife's car even though it wasn't losing coolant. By the condition of the gaskets, it was just about to let go.

The LIM gasket, vehicle not yet losing coolant:
View attachment 2285

Kinda scary. My wife would likely have been stranded this winter if I didn't do something.

 

[HotZ28]

Again, not sure of the year car here, but this may be of some benefit.

Recall Notice
03034 ENGINE COOLANT LEAK
JULY 2003 ALL 200 - 2002 AND CERTAIN 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA, MONTE CARLO; PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, BONNEVILLE; AND BUICK REGAL , LESABRE, PARK AVENUE EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L V6 ENGINE (RPO l36 - VIN CODE K)
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that certain of the vehicles above may have a condition in which engine coolant may leak at the upper intake manifold throttle body gasket, or at the upper intake manifold to lower intake manifold gasket. This condition may result in a low engine coolant level and higher engine operating temperatures.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to replace the three throttle body fastener nuts and add cooling system sealant to the radiator tank.