Q: Car needs a new coolant bypass tube
I think that my car has a cracked coolant bypass tube. It has the GM 3800 Series II engine. Is that something that I could repair by myself?
Recommended Services
| Coolant is leaking Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Ah yes, the infamous 3.8L coolant elbows, located on the tensioner. This is a very common problem, but I would still perform a cooling system pressure test to be certain that the elbows are leaking. This test pressurizes the cooling system to pinpoint the leak location. If, after performing this test, you determine the elbows are leaking, I would recommend having them replaced by a professional. This job involves removing the belt and tensioner to access the elbows. A professional mechanic will be able to find the source of the leak and make the necessary repair.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Shift lever module needs reprogramming.
The model you describe 42250 is not a model Saab, but I find an Aero model with the 2.0 engine. The gearbox light being on indicates a problem and you will need to have the vehicle scanned to see what...
Engine doesn't start but lights power on - 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria
You're thinking in the rigt direction! Something in the electrical power path to the starter motor is malfunctioning: starter solenoid or starter motor itself, ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement), or wiring to either of these components. A professional mechanic, like YourMechanic, can...
My car has a misfire on cylinder 5 and a ticking sound
A failing coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) will generally not make a ticking sound, however a failing or intermittent coil may cause the motor to run sluggish a bit if the misfire continues to happen. As you may know, an ignition coil is...
Coolant compatibility in f350.
Hello. I am not sure why they put Dexcool into your cooling system. Your truck requires the specific Ford coolant due to the design of the engine. There really is no reason why Dexcool should have been used, and if...
I have a 2000 Grand Marquis my girl crashed up the front end so I need some aftermarket body parts.
Billing question sent to CS for the cost of aftermarket parts to repair the front end after a crash.
Defroster use AC for defog?
Hello - yes, the defrost function (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-the-defroster-works) uses the air conditioning system to remove moisture from the air. The air is then re-heated using the heater functionality, and you now have hot, dry air to defrost the inside of the...
Won't start 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Hi there - as you suspect, a failed alternator, or serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-serpentine-drive-belt) (which drives the alternator) or its tensioner, could have failed and caused the behavior you are now seeing. Even a loose belt due to a weak tensioner...
Tapping noise when accelerating. 2010 Nissan Altima
Hi there - engine tapping noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/engine-makes-tapping-sound) under load are usually connecting rod bearing problems, although it is possible that it's just a weak valve lifter. Hard to say without hearing it. If you have a sound byte to pass...
Car wont start even with jumper cables
It sounds like your battery is completly dead. This could have happened either because the battery is old and failed or because the alternator is not sufficiently charging the battery. This issue can be resolved in two different ways depending...
Related articles
How Long Does a Coolant Reservoir Last?
The coolant reservoir is a tank located in your vehicle that holds the overflowing coolant that comes from your cooling system. The reservoir...
How Long Does a Heater Control Valve Last?
Keeping Keeping the right amount of coolant in a car is essential in keeping the engine at the right temperature. Failing to have the right amount of coolant or even bad elements of the coolant system can lead to a...
5 Commonly Overlooked Vehicle Maintenance Items
Brake fluid, auto transmission fluid, and coolant flushes, as well as cabin filter changes and valve adjustments, are all important services.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Estimates
Services