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Question:

Do I need a water pump or is it something else wrong with my car?

I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8 v6 engine. My car has been overheating lately and my low coolant light came on so i put antifreeze in it and the light went off. I drove about 3 blocks and the low coolant light came back on again and the thermostat was at the hot mark so i checked the antifreeze and it was just about empty. I did noticed when I was pouring the antifreeze that some did run out the bottom of the car but it wasn't alot. Also I noticed that in the morning when I get up and drive my car the thermostat could be at cold but if I drive about 3 blocks it's almost at the hot mark. Please help me determine whats wrong with my car. Is my water pump bad?

Answer:

You okorder has a forum where you can search and find out a lot about problems on this type of vehicle.
if your water pump is bad you will see coolant dripping from around it. Sounds to me like you have a MAJOR leak or a blown head gasket. If the engine oil looks like chocolate milkshake after you drive it, then its the head gasket. Fill your radiator up with water and drive till the engine temp is topped out. then get out and open the hood and look for spewing water. If you see it then there is your problem... if not then check your oil for milkshake.
Another possibility: The Upper intake manifold could be leaking coolant into the engine. In other words, it is not an external leak. The leak is caused by the EGR valve actually melting the manifold, right by a coolant passage in the intake manifold. Again, check for milky oil (it'll look like dark butterscotch pudding....no really!). But be careful....a shady mechanic may tell you its a blown head gasket and it could just be this problem. If at all possible, have it checked out. If he says Blown head gasket, ask him to remove the upper intake only so that you can see it....there will be coolant and milky oil all over the top of the lower intake manifold if it's the upper intake problem. If it's diagnosed as a blown head gasket, this coolant/oil WON'T be there. The repair involves replacing the upper intake manifold completely, not just a gasket. Good Luck....
It could be a number of things. What you need to do is fill it up and run it until it gets to operating temp checking for leaks while its running. If you see the fluid coming from the front of the engine it more than likely the water pump. It could also be a bad cap letting water by a hole in the radiator a hole in one of your cooling hoses or a hole in the block which is unlikely. Try that and see if you can pinpoint it. P.S. if the water pump is bad it sometimes makes a squealing noise dead give a way. Good luck!
You definitely have a big coolant leak someplace. Could be anything related to the cooling system. Do not drive this car or you will destroy your engine for could possibly be fixed with a few dollars, if it is a bad hose or something of the sort. Sounds like you should be able to find the leak without a pressur test, seeing how it runs low so quickly, but in any event, do not drive this vehicle and have a technician as soon as possible.

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