2001 Oldsmobile Alero LEAK

MARIOJ1

MEMBER
2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
113,008 MILES

Hello, I recent began to have a leak in my engine coolant. The problem is though that its coming from what seems to be the engine itself. I've checked both the radiator and its hoses. I was told it could be coming from the control valve? I've never heard of that. Could you maybe give me some more information of where the leak might be coming from?

Friday, July 9th, 2010 AT 9:29 AM

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Go to Autozone, they have a tool loaner program, get a radiator pressure tester, hook it up and pump it to the psi of the radiator cap, any leak, and it's location will be exposed. Control valve, if it has one is near the heater hoses, it shuts water off when A/C is used.

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Friday, July 9th, 2010 AT 3:54 PM

MLROBINSON1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I can use the heater with my A/C running in both modes; normal and MAX. In the midwest, this is sometimes necessary to keep from fogging up the windows and windscreen from the outside due to high humidity. Is there tell-tale signs of leakage on the top of the engine neat the intake manifold? If so, then the intake manifold gasket is blown and requires replacement. This is a common problem with all GM 3.4L V6 engines at about 70,000 miles UNLESS after the first failure, the gasket is replaced with an aftermarket gasket, such as FelPro. The factory gaskets are a common failure point.

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Friday, June 10th, 2011 AT 3:06 AM