1997 Buick Lesabre Intake Manifold, Radiator, Reservoir

ART ALLARD

MEMBER
1997 BUICK LESABRE

Engine problem
1997 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 100000 miles

I have a 1997 Buick LeSabre which leaks coolant and air from the intake manifold.
I replaced the original 17psi radiator cap with a 13psi cap which has a relief lever which I keep up (open).
Now, I am experiencing loss of coolant from the radiator into the reservoir.
I've learned that the cap must be tight in order to retain coolant in the radiator. However, I expect once again to lose coolant from the intake if I do so.
With a 350 mile journey ahead of me this week, what should I do about the radiator cap?

2 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Put on the proper dealer radiator cap, the cap prevents coolant from leaving the radiator and going into the resevoir and boiling over.

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Friday, February 8th, 2008 AT 5:45 PM

DENNYP

MECHANIC
1,823 POSTS

If your intake gaskets are leaking, replace them. If you put a radiator cap on loose, you are only moving the leak to the next weak point. I wouldn't even think about driving this vehicle on a 350 mile trip with leaking intake gaskets. Save yourself alot of walking and fix the gaskets.