2001 Malibu - Low Engine Coolant

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J Rod - 18 Dec 2006 02:27 GMT

My girlfriend's '01 Malibu's dummy light is going off for low engine
coolant. She's at about 85,000 miles. Leaking around the intake
manifold appears to be a common occurance from what I have read in this
group. How does one determine if there is leakage around the intake
manifold? Will there be visible coolant leakage?

Thanks for any info.

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Repairman - 18 Dec 2006 12:14 GMT

Yes and No
The manifold gaskets leak into the engine oil causing oil dilution and
damage to the motor bearings.
They can leak to the outside also and it will be visible.
Oil analysis is the sure way to determine internal leakage,externally a dye
in the antifreeze makes it a easy job to check as it's usually a small leak.
My experience with a '01 &'02 Malibu in the family fleet is that it's time
for gaskets. I've done both cars, one at 75k and the other at 95k. Both cars
are still running great as I got on repairing them quickly.
Blackstone Labs does a fine job of oil analysis, Google them.

> My girlfriend's '01 Malibu's dummy light is going off for low engine
> coolant. She's at about 85,000 miles. Leaking around the intake
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Thanks for any info.

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J Rod - 18 Dec 2006 20:46 GMT

Thanks for the info.

To my understanding, the coolant/antifreeze system in a car is a closed
system - meaning that if that dummy light for low coolant turns on it
is a sign of a pretty significant problem, correct? Meaning there has
to be a leak somewhere, be it a gasket, or hose, etc.

> Yes and No
> The manifold gaskets leak into the engine oil causing oil dilution and
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> >
> > Thanks for any info.

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Repairman - 19 Dec 2006 12:50 GMT

Yes.
Is the coolant tank empty? Then you know you have a leak.
Get it to qualified mechanic because coolant loss is a serious issue.

> Thanks for the info.
>
> To my understanding, the coolant/antifreeze system in a car is a closed
> system - meaning that if that dummy light for low coolant turns on it
> is a sign of a pretty significant problem, correct? Meaning there has
> to be a leak somewhere, be it a gasket, or hose, etc.

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J Rod - 19 Dec 2006 16:19 GMT

Nah. There's coolant in there. Even a little in the overflow tank
last I checked. The dummy light will turn on for a few seconds, then
turn off.

I'm figuring this repair might be a little over my head and we'll be
taking it to the shop to get it checked out.

Thanks for the info.

> Yes.
> Is the coolant tank empty? Then you know you have a leak.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> > is a sign of a pretty significant problem, correct? Meaning there has
> > to be a leak somewhere, be it a gasket, or hose, etc.

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KjunRaven - 20 Dec 2006 00:24 GMT

> Nah. There's coolant in there. Even a little in the overflow tank
> last I checked. The dummy light will turn on for a few seconds, then
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>> > Meaning there has to be a leak somewhere, be it a gasket, or hose,
>> > etc.

in your car it is not a overflow tank. its a surge tank with a very picky
sensor in it. of course the sensor controls your low coolant lamp....IF
your surge tank is up to proper level and warning lamp is ON, replace
sensor. IF your coolant level is actually low consult qualified ..blah,
blah ........

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