2001 Oldsmobile Bravada Oldsmobile Bravada coolant leak

Tiny
BRANDISAUL81
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
  • AUTOMATIC
My bravada was over heating, the radiator was empty. Found that it is leaking coolant from what looks like a hose that attaches at the top of the engine, it has a hole that is literally squirting it out. What is this part and how do I change it? Also, the gas gauge started jumping at the same time as it started over heating, and it seems to be hard to accelerate in first and second gear, fine once it hits 3rd. Any suggestions?
Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 3:44 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I need to see a pic of the part to identify it. Can you upload one for me to see?

If the engine is hot, it can go into a safe mode which will cause a power loss. Can you tell me if the check engine light has come on?
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
BRANDISAUL81
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your help, I'm attaching pictures. It's not a hose after all, it's metal and bolted down. Any help is appreciated.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
BRANDISAUL81
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  • 4 POSTS
Also, an actual check engine light has not come on, but it did have a service engine light come on, not sure if it's the same. Thanks so much
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
BRANDISAUL81
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  • 4 POSTS
Ok, found out that the part is the thermostat coolant housing outlet. I just need some direction on how to replace this please. Thank you
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Remove the necessary coolant from the radiator so that the level is below the t-stat.
Disconnect the neg battery terminal
Remove the alternator
Loosen the outlet hose clamp at the thermostat housing.
Remove the outlet hose from the thermostat housing. A clamp will be holding it in place.
Remove the thermostat housing bolts.
Remove the thermostat housing from the engine block. NOTE: You may have to gently pry the housing away from the engine block. Be careful not to break anything.
Once the housing is removed, you will see the thermostat. Pay close attention to how it is positioned (what is facing toward the engine) so that you put the new one in the same way.
Clean all of the surfaces of the thermostat housing so there is no gasket material left on it.
Clean the sealing surface of the engine block as well.
Correctly position the new thermostat into the engine block. NOTE: Make sure both steel surfaces are clean and dry.
Replace the housing and reverse the directions.

If you have trouble, let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
NOTE: Based on the pics you sent me, I assume this is the 4.2L engine and not the 4.3L. If that is incorrect, let me know. Also, the thermostat housing bolts should be tightened to 89 INCH POUNDS.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 AT 9:24 PM

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