Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'01 Pontiac Grand AM, Coolant in Engine Oil
Q:
I was changing the
oil in my 01 Pontiac Grand AM and noticed coolant in the engine
oil. Since I bought the car (new) I would lose coolant and get the low
coolant alarm. It had stopped for a while until about two weeks ago, I
got the low coolant alarm and filled it again. I suspect it had a small
leak when I first bought the car. The warranty is now expired. I checked
several web sites on information on recalls of leaking coolant in 01
Grand AM Pontiacs but only found one case. Do you know of any other cases?
- Joe M.
A:
Ill bet a coffee
that your Grand AM just happens to have a V-6 engine. That engine is known
for intake manifold gasket problems. The problem with the gasket? It allows
coolant to leak inside the engine. This causes 2 problems; 1. A coolant
leak that no one can see. 2. Only a drop of anti-freeze in the right place
will cause untold engine damage. I would suggest not running the engine
on your vehicle until the source of the coolant leak is found that is
allowing anti-freeze to enter your engine oil. My bet is on the intake
manifold gasket.
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