2001 Camaro GM 3.8 3800 Fix & Repair Overheating Coolant Leak Over Heat Runs Hot

[@shawnbutchko456]

I have a 2000 Camaro that I paid $2,000.00 to the Chevy dealer service department and he said it was the intake manifold gasket. Well then my belt came off and steam everywhere. A passerby and my son put it back on. Then someone checked it last Friday and showed me that they put the wrong screws back in and one is missing. And there's coolant leaking. He told me to go show them and get half my money back. I went down there today and the supervisor, James, at Stevens Creek Chevrolet in San Jose refused. I can't believe they ripped me off like this! So I was crying and sure enough, coolant is leaking. This is exactly what the problem is! And even everything else about the key and ignition and I paid $750.00 for two keys and an ignition. And now my headlights are constantly on after that.

[@Vacationtime247]

Typically always advise people who have overheating issues to do a coolant pressure test, it helps show where the leaks are at. Know it can be difficult for people who do not do their own repairs. Even harder to trust someone else to do the repairs correctly. Sorry this happened to you and hopefully it all got resolved. Electrical gremlins can be difficult to trace down such as the lights staying on. Hope it gets fixed without any further issues in the future. : ) VT247

[@shawnbutchko456]

@@Vacationtime247 I just had a guy replace the screws, belt, coolant and oil change. He said perhaps the coolant isn't circulating. It hasn't overheated since the belt came off. He also mounted my a/c back on and hooked it up. :)

[@fuyingbro]

$250 that is a steal man.

[@Lilswagkin100]

Now when yu put all that stuff in new what was your temp Hand reading cause in the video you took the old thermostat out An the hand was reading 210 but when yu put the new one in what was it reading then??

[@Coolfwip]

“Whoops came out now” I died laughing 🤣

[@officialfamouspromotions5961]

I Recently had an overheating problem. I got my 2001 Camaro V6 Manual Trans taken into a mechanic for an oil change and to replace the coolant reservoir. They decided to replace the heater core and thermostat as well, so I could have heat. I have driven it now since repairs a total of 900 miles, and this past week it starts overheating smoke pouring from engine. I am not flooring it mind you, but I park the car let it go overnight put antifreeze coolant and water in drive about 2 miles starts overheating again mind you I am traveling at 30 miles an hour. When the repairs were done I was told there was no leaks the heater core was just gunked up, and to bring it back in 1000 miles to re flush the radiator. Now the engine is making loud knocks I can send a video If I can get your email I would really appreciate. I love your videos and am a subscriber to your channel by the way. Thanks - Mike @Vacationtime247

[@vinnytrippetti2222]

Q

[@johncornharvester]

you practically stole that car for $250, great job and lucky on such an easy fix. i love those 3800s

[@Vacationtime247]

Couldn't believe I got it for so cheap! There's a receipt in the glove box for tires over $400. It ran good just leaked coolant everywhere. Fixed that, now need to work on the paint, I'm thinkin' $50 roll on job again. You're right, those 3800's are good motors. VT247

[@BennnnyBoooom]

Vacationtime247 Still have it? How'd you come across the car for $250? That's pretty crazy..What state is this in? Sweet find!

[@Vacationtime247]

Don't have this car any longer. Traded it, a motorized bicycle, and $500 for a 1973 Mach 1 mustang. Found the Camaro from a guy in town, said it ran, just overheated, looked ghetto from the bad paint job. Fixed up the leak, rolled on a cheapo $50 paint job, changed the spark plugs and ran through smog no problem. This in California. : ) VT247

[@BennnnyBoooom]

Vacationtime247 So awesome. So you traded a bike and $550 for this and then traded this for the stang?

[@Vacationtime247]

Traded the $250 motorized bike, the $250 Camaro and $500 cash for the Mustang. Really like the 71-73 Mustangs so I finally got one. VT247

[@13rubenski]

what's the part # for those elbows I'm having the same exact problem

[@TJsVette]

Yea that would have been nice to know lol.

[@realrecognizerealkeepit1008]

I've done just about everything on this 3800 series 2. ignition coils is a common problem with these 4th gen maros. code reads random misfire. cheap easy fix as well.

[@JillyBean860]

real recognize real keep it 100 That's exactly what I'm trying to fix now!

[@MrDaweezee]

I have this exact same problem on my 97 3800 v6 camaro.. How much is it to replace??

[@Tyler49547]

Got a 99 Camaro, ran out of coolant. Filled it up but has a god awful smell after I run it and will heat up pretty fast when sitting in park, any ideas?

[@K1NGxxHAZ0R3D]

I did this and now the rubber o rings on the elbows keeps leaking any suggestions???

[@Vacationtime247]

Found out after installing these that the O-rings would eventually leak but the Aluminum elbows are good. Use the factory O-rings but the aluminum elbows. Might help to throw a bead of silicone around it too just for added safety against future leaks. VT247

[@napierdelticdiesel]

I had the same problem and second time around, I slathered Red RTV silicone on the ends. It worked! Always keep some Red RTV on hand, I even used it on my sink drains at home that leaked.

[@stabit28]

So what is the elbow tube called I have the same problems but can't find the name for it

[@Vacationtime247]

Dorman 47065HP Heater Hose Elbow This should be the replacement part when I did a quick search. Make sure to get the Aluminum replacements, not the Plastic kind that like to break (and leak). Found most parts stores carry this in stock, but call around first. It's a fast repair and was a HUGE relief not having to replace head or intake gaskets which I originally thought was the problem. VT247

[@servin463]

Great video ! my 97 Camaro had water pouring out the front of the motor in the exact spot...was just about to have it towed to the shop for a intake gasket repair...forget that, I'm fixing this myself !!! Thanks for the video

[@manthis22]

Very detailed and helpful video. Thank you. You helped me orient myself a bit better with the engine as well.

[@jammer1four]

do u have a video or tutorial on how 2 replace the intake manifold gasket? 1999 Camaro 3800 series.

[@Alex-pj8eu]

yeah I've been through that with the elbows, I got the aluminum one. also watch out on the heater hoses, where they connect to the tensioner housing they have a plastic quick connect fitting that can leak coolant too..they make a metal heater hose adapter that bolts on the end of the tensioner housing.. notice the tensioner housing has been drilled and threaded for two small bolts which are for a heater hose adapter you can buy that way you can run a regular heater hose from the heater core to the tensioner housing and use regular clamps and forget having the leaky stock hoses which are junky and use a plastic connecting end and it is expensive to buy the whole stock heater hose assembly.. one heater hose has to be stepped down a size with a step down tube in between because the tensioner hose is smaller, the other heater hose can just be ran all one piece from the heater core to the tensioner housing which the hose clamps on to the adapter there like an old style hose, and it won't leak.. save yourself the trouble and buy those because they will fail or leak at some point. type in 3.8 Camaro/ Firebird heater hose fix, they sell kits, also many camaro in junkyards already have these adapters on them.

[@VinylToVideo]

I knew this was going to be the outcome; what a great deal if that was all the problem was! I replaced the ones in my car with aluminum however it was too late as these were leaking for about a year and eventually caused the car to nearly overheat one day and ruined my radiator. This car's engine has already been replaced, likely because of this same problem! Hopefully once the rad is replaced that will be the end of the cooling issues for my car.

[@amendoza6470]

Do you have a part number for the bypass hose elbows in aluminum or the correct reference name of the plastic elbows in akuminum? At my local AutoZone they seem to have no idea what I'm talking about and told me it is only a dealership part, that they do not stock it. Please help...

[@xodiuz]

A. Mendoza Amazon they're like 10$

[@whocares3701]

Bypass hoses Just spend extra 30 bucks and get new tensioner assembly

[@drewhampton2706]

Will this couse it leak down the transmission in the back as well before I start ripping everything off?

[@Vacationtime247]

Do a coolant system pressure test and find the leak easily. Fill the radiator with water, add pressure and the water will make itself known where the leak is coming from. Best to find out for sure where before digging in. : ) VT247

[@PainzEditz]

I have a '99 firebird 3.8l & have a leak in the intake manifold... Yesterday my car overheated

[@realrecognizerealkeepit1008]

thanks for the vid. I have the same I inherited but red convertible. camaro forum is a good spot to find details and ask questions. also real quick I threw a thrush muffler from AutoZone for 39.99 and new pipes and tip either way cheap mod sounds like a clean 383 stroker now but not too loud. thanks again for the video confirmed a question I had.

[@jason6623]

I have the lifter tick in my 2000 Camaro 3.8 I just bought in November. Check engine lights are on all the time. Bought it for five hundred bucks and want to fix it up but can't find a decent priced 3.8 engine in my area. Took it to local mechanic and he said it needs another engine. What would you do?

[@julianhernandez7525]

Hey I have a question I have a 2001 Chevy Camaro I need to replace the sensor temperature do you know where is located?

[@YoungSpartanAtletik]

i have a 2000 camaro, when i drive it the smoke comes out where the e-brake is whe i look under the car i dont see any smoke but i see that my pipe are fiery red, where i believe the catalytic converter is under the pasenger seat, it stall out if im going up a driveway do you think the smoke and the stall out is a clog CAT CONVERTER

[@Vacationtime247]

Doubt it's the converter. The engine is likely burning oil or coolant for it to smoke like you're describing. VT247

[@YoungSpartanAtletik]

+Vacationtime247 thank you for responding, its not smoking anymore but i will have some more question for when i stsrt doing some work in it.

[@oldcrippleman]

Was antifreeze sitting between the valve cover and intake manifold after removing everything?

[@SquidFische]

It is in mine, but I haven't confirmed if same issue yet. Will actually start bubbling in between intake and valve covers on passenger side when she overheats

[@zachdhore1270]

Excellent, helpful, detailed video. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS

[@billysmith7668]

What's the replacement elbows. Idk what to ask for

[@Vacationtime247]

I’d ask for aluminum coolant bypass elbows for a GM 3800. It’s a pretty common failure point, most parts stores will know the piece and have them in stock. VT247

[@billysmith7668]

Thanks so much I actually found it yesterday. However I installed it and it still leaks in the same spot. So imma take it all back off and try it again. Should I put the elbow into the engine and then put the tensioner pulley on or the other way around

[@SOCALLou760]

Do I HAVE to remove the spark plugs ?

[@Vacationtime247]

Not to fix the coolant elbows, which was what was wrong with this car. VT247

[@SOCALLou760]

@@Vacationtime247 thank you

[@nahuelgvg]

What’s that pipe called? The one that was broken?

[@Vacationtime247]

It’s an elbow for the coolant. Get the aluminum replacements, they tend to last forever and don’t break apart like the plastic ones. GM 3800 coolant elbows for a 2000 Chevrolet Camaro should bring up the correct search results. VT247

[@keithmullis7584]

I hope this solves my overheating issues I just bought a 97 for $400 the guy told me he thinks its the intake but I'm hoping this is the problem I plan on pulling my motor apart this weekend wish me luck lol thanks for the video

[@TNTBoyBoy]

hey i have a question i have a 98 camaro its leaking coolant down from the water pump should i change the water pump and those elbows too? and also i was wondering what codes u had before this cuz im getting rough idle with mine and its giving a misfire code but it smothes out when im driving ..only rough on idle and 0-4mph ...i changed plugs wire coil and injector and nothing stops this misfire in cylinder 3

[@Vacationtime247]

Change both the water pump and those elbows. To find a water leak, perform a pressure test of the cooling system. AutoZone rents / loan a tool coolant pressure tester. Fill the radiator with water, hook the tool to the radiator and pump it up to Pressurize the system. Water will come out from the leak site. I had no codes, just leaked water. Check for spark at number three cylinder to make sure the coil is firing. Hopefully your problem isn't a bad intake or head gasket. It might have low compression or water getting into the cylinder causing the misfire.

[@frankmaggio4328]

Hope your car is still running cool. I just made a video showing what the new Felpro gaskets I installed last yr. Looks like there is some leaking past the blue gasket by cylinder 4 & 6 as well as oil on the black plastic on some of the other parts of the plenum intake orifices.

[@frankmaggio4328]

My 97 RS Camaro cost me $1000 because the body was in great shape, but mine had the dreaded leaking manifold gasket. It would have taken you over 12 hrs to do the head gasket....so you're lucky!

[@Vacationtime247]

Frank Maggio No doubt. Just got done doing a head gasket replacement on a GM 3400. It's not a fun job. : / VT247

[@ryanhale4336]

I'm in the middle of doing a engine replacement and on both engines the elbows broke when taking it apart I would like to know what the elbows are called the auto zone near me the workers aren't too smart when it comes to camaros thank you for your time

[@Vacationtime247]

+Ryan Hale I believe these are universal for most all GM 3800 Series 3 engine. Should be referred to as a bypass hose. Couldn't find a listing on their website for the part though. They had it behind the counter at my location. Might try O'Reilly's. They had it out on the shelf. VT247

[@goldenstatebeats5355]

Vacationtime247 I have the same Camaro with the same overheating problem . I'm in Oakland CA. come fix it for me 😂

[@gk10002000]

yes. use the metal/aluminum replacement elbows.

[@victorsoto7943]

Hey i got a 93 camaro z28 and smoke is coming out in the right side of the engine do you have an idea of what could be wrong with it?

[@Vacationtime247]

+Victor Soto Depends on if the smoke is from coolant or oil. Go to the local spray and wash and blast away all the junk from around there. Then see where exactly the leak is. VT247

[@gsaldana71]

Where did you buy the elbows?

[@Vacationtime247]

Got the aluminum elbows at Autozone. They were relatively cheap and it was a simple repair to do. Even after that fix there were a few other leaks I found but they were easily fixed as well. VT247

[@gsaldana71]

Just wondered as that was my first stop on the internet and they don't show the elbows as being sold independant of the tensioner

[@Vacationtime247]

Tell them you need it for a GM 3800, the aluminum elbows. Parts guy at the local AZO knew just what I was looking for. Must be a relatively common fix. VT247

[@gsaldana71]

Ok thanks!

[@erickrivera3725]

Hey guys, I'm just wondering about the oil pressure, could be 60 psi always or less than that, when the engine it's running after 15 minutes?

[@Vacationtime247]

Oil is thicker when cold as compared to while warm. The oil pressure will be higher when the engine and oil is cold because of this. The oil pressure will drop once the engine is warm. VT247

[@gerardorivera5674]

for some reason my 2000 camaro loses coolant without even being on and there are no visual leaks and no sign of water in the oil any idea why the coolant is dissapearing without even driving the car or turning it on

[@Vacationtime247]

Do a coolant pressure test. Autozone does the loan-a-tool for this job. Fill up the radiator, attach the pump, pressurize system, you'll soon hear or see where the coolant is leaking from. VT247

[@gerardorivera5674]

+Vacationtime247 i did the test i took to a radiator shop they did a block testband pressure test all was good so idk whatsbgoing on

[@619ambitious]

Hello Gerardo. I have a 98 Chevy Camaro 3.8 L and I kept losing coolant too. So what I ended up doing is replacing the coolant intake manifold gaskets. I used a Felpro gasket kit. You have to take the entire top off including the heads. Car hasn't lost any coolant since. Good luck.

[@gerardorivera5674]

did you have water in your oil?

[@gerardorivera5674]

rudy... my camaro loses coolant i wont even drive it or start it . i just fill up the radiator and leave it parked. there are no visual leaks or water in the oil . when you did your coolant gaskets was there water in your oil? or any over heating @rudyarriaga

[@devingambino791]

I have a 1998 camaro and i have a antifreeze leak but dont know where its coming from, hopefully nothing major. But yeah its leaking snd i need help with figuring it out thanks.

[@Vacationtime247]

+Devan O'Meally Fill up the radiator and do a pressure test of the coolant system. Autozone has a loan a tool for a pressure testing kit. Hook it to the radiator, pump it up, pressurizes the coolant system. Wherever the leak is water will come shooting out. Works great in finding difficult leaks. VT247

[@Shamkilla23]

what size bolt I need to take of the alternatetor? what tools did you use details please thank you

[@Vacationtime247]

I honestly don't remember. I've since traded the car for something different. Most GM's use the standard 15 mm 13 mm or 10 mm. VT247

[@2003pblakey]

I just did this job on a 05 chevy impala. same plastic crap elbows and I replaced them with the aluminum ones. problem solved forever!

[@aboogie4lyf]

im a big fan of these gms but these 4th gen f bodies the engine is tucked in the engine bay. Is it hard to work on them sense the engine is designed like that?

[@Vacationtime247]

It's not that bad. Found many front wheel drive engine bays have much less room to maneuver. Really liked this car. But traded this car, a 2 stroke engine & bicycle (moped like) combo & $500 for a 1973 Mustang. VT247

[@napierdelticdiesel]

The spark plugs are a real pain to change, thank goodness the iridium plugs are good for 100K miles.

[@Anthony111198]

6 years later will you help me fix 2001 Firebird😂 no heat and overheats

[@Vacationtime247]

Do a coolant pressure test on the system. Might just be a simple to fix leak. VT247

[@kendricksimmons7630]

where can i locate the Coolant Temperature Sensor on a 2000 Chevy Camaro V6????

[@Vacationtime247]

On or near the throttle body for the Camaro / Firebird 3800 V6 VT247

[@robertboyington3094]

What exactly are those 90s called

[@Vacationtime247]

Coolant bypass elbows

[@YoungSpartanAtletik]

hi do you happen to have the part number for those coolant bypass elbow

[@Vacationtime247]

Sorry, I'm not sure. They can be used for any GM 3.8 or 3800 engine such as those in the Bonneville, Impala, Grand Prix, etc. VT247

[@jango67]

I have the same engine on my 2001 Firebird couldn't find the leak at all just kept getting hot

[@devingambino791]

Ill try it but i thought it would be a hose or something

[@cristho53]

my gas gauge marks empty is it the floater or something like that??

[@fellowtraveler2495]

Mine is stuck on full but if I let it idle for a while it'll kind of show actual gas in my tank....but if yours doesn't set your trip meter and fill up after about 320 miles give or take

[@TheJuan72]

Thanks for the video was great , how can I check to see if my fans and/or relays are working ?

[@Vacationtime247]

Disconnect the temp sensor / switch by the thermostat or turn on the A/C. VT247

[@TheJuan72]

Thx

[@TheJuan72]

I think now that I've got all these stuffs out the way ( water pump, thermostat , heater hose bracket, etc. ) would be a good idea to flush the old coolant out of the engine. What do you think ?

[@LTXSlime]

My coolant is completely black intake manifold leak?

[@Vacationtime247]

Sounds like oil mixing in with the coolant. Could be the intake manifold or an engine oil cooler. VT247

[@LTXSlime]

Vacationtime247 Thanks bro appreciate it

[@un-limited7009]

does anybody know the newest 3800 i can get for my 98 camaro?

[@memythoughts2104]

Can you tell me where the coolant temperature switch is

[@memythoughts2104]

My car is over heating and the relay and fans are good , I checked if the They turn on with the Ac and no dice , HELPPP!

[@Vacationtime247]

Should be under the throttle body on the passenger side from what the info I pulled up. Would need to remove the rubber / plastic intake air duct work that connects to the air filter box. VT247

[@redrickfoxx]

hey do you have a mechanic or someone trusted in memphis. I was told I have a intake manifold gasket leak but all these shops just seem to be trying to get paid. Said the job would be 1100. Just was wondering have a 1998 Pontiac Firebird V6, runs fine, new water pump but this antifreeze leak. Was gonna replace all gaskets with new kit, new alluminum coolant elbows while im at it and pressure check to make sure everything is flowing right, and a new thermostat. I live in memphis, tn. Was wonder if you could suggest a shop or possibly knew someone out my way i could make a appointment. Insurance sending me money for repair.

[@Vacationtime247]

Don't live anywhere close to there so I would only being going off of search engine suggestions. Word of mouth and quality of work is always important. First things first though. Find out where exactly the leak is coming from. Do a coolant pressure test of the system and check for where the leak comes from while under pressure. Autozone does the loan-a-tool deal that can help diagnose for 'free' after refund. Another idea is search Facebook or Craigslist for mobile mechanics. Usually a lot cheaper than sending it to the shop, save a lot of money that way. Not really a hard job to do, just time consuming. Hope this helps some. VT247

[@maleatrogden6120]

1

[@sylonjiahamilton3905]

how did you get the rings out

[@Vacationtime247]

Expanding pliers. Instead of gripping, they expand to hold objects and pull them out. VT247

[@dinomash379]

250 for bad bypass couplers.. nice

[@boomstickkid]

hope you plan on painting it red!

[@Vacationtime247]

Either black or red. It's already black, so I might go gloss black with red stripes. VT247

[@chaddorethy6629]

Wow what a great deal.

[@richardbrown9888]

Hey my car over heating but no leaks

[@Vacationtime247]

Check to see if the cooling system holds pressure. These engines are known to blow head, intake and timing cover gaskets. VT247

[@devingambino791]

Ok but as soon as i put antifreeze in the car it automatically leaks out.

[@Vacationtime247]

+Devan O'Meally Then it should be obvious where the leak is. Keep a water hose running into the radiator at a steady pace and watch. VT247

[@wildwombay1]

Need this upgrade!!!

[@Atmosferico787]

Thanks so much 👏🏽👏🏽

[@andrewss190]

good buy

[@juiceoliver7206]

Where is the temp senser

[@juiceoliver7206]

Plz help

[@Vacationtime247]

Below the throttle body. It's in an odd location. Most I've seen are in the head or intake. VT247

[@dinomash379]

I'm just going to watch your video because I'm curious of what you are going to encounter (not being an intake gasket)

[@Vacationtime247]

Turns out it was the plastic elbows. Upgraded to aluminum and they never leaked again. VT247

[@dinomash379]

Vacationtime247 funny thing.... when mine went out on my bird, i too was freaking out thinking it was the intake gasket... good thing about that is that i bought a 98 of Craigslist with the same issue but the seller thought it was the intake gasket so i got it for 600 bucks... fixed it and sold it to a friend for 1000 bucks.

[@Vacationtime247]

Got this one for $250. Knew I would be in for a project. Even if it was an intake, it ran and had no codes. Bypassed the VATS with some diodes for the Security light, fixed the elbows, painted it gloss black and ran it through smog check and passed. Traded this car, $500 and a motor powered bicycle for a '73 Mustang. VT247

[@ChrisDeArmond-l2l]

You don't have to take all of that stuff off

[@Vacationtime247]

Probably not, but I went into it thinking the intake gasket was bad. VT247

[@altucker6343]

you should clean your parts

[@cristho53]

even when I put gas