Repairing a coolant leak on a 2.4L GM Grand Am Part 1: Troubleshooting and Disassembly

[@keithwalker4090]

My car has been unusable for a year! Just came across this vide and this could be the source of my leak! Thanks a million

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I hope this helps you find and fix the leak.

[@WallieB26]

Thank you for the informative video. I developed a leak from this part on my 99 Z24 with the same engine. Wasn't sure what it was at first or if this piece was actually the culprit vs a bad hose though the hoses look and feel just fine. I thought perhaps I had a problem that could end up being bigger and more serious. Also wondered how common of a failure that water outlet is. Glad to know it's common and not that bad to replace so I'm not stressing so much. Thanks again.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I so glad this older video was still a help.

[@ChadReitsma]

Just wanted to say a huge THANK-YOU!!! You make excellent help videos, my 99 Grand-am just developed this issue so I need to replace the gasket, this helped A TON!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Glad to hear the video helped. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@xerman2001]

I had to replace mine on my 98 cavalier last year. I unbolted the power steering pump, it gave better access to the housing. Good vid though :)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for looking at it. I do have a couple of other videos on this car: a CV axle and a front wheel bearing.

[@casper34481]

+The Original Mechanic Great vid , just did the fuel pump 2 weeks ago on the ground and ignition switch last week

[@awkward-to-awesome9904]

Thanks so much. This was my problem too, you save me a ton of money bringing it to a shop. It was quick fairly easy and stopped the leak! :)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+OlRustyEye Glad to hear the video helped and thanks for the comment.

[@pauls.2308]

Very, very nice job. Thank you for your kindness in helping so many others!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@poetofga]

Excellent camera work,I also have a 2.4 Pontiac Grand AM and I am facing the worst in having to replace the water pump. I did my research and there are no recommendations to do this on my own. Timing Chain and rusty bolts. $1000.00 for the mechanic to do it. The water pump is about $35.00. I will always wonder why they placed the water pump at the bottom and make a person have to disassemble a good part of the engine just to get to this piece of junk part that is only worth $35.00? Oh well Pass it along, STAY AWAY FROM THE PONTIAC GRAND AM 2001 2.4 LITTER. I'ts just not worth it. Good video thank you for sharing.

[@younesnoaman8735]

Scott Engstrom the chevy cavalier z 24 has that problem too. It takes about 6 hours to replace the water pump. I guess somebody came back from a hangover 5 to design that engine. nothing is simple on that engine.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Scott Engstrom Thanks for the heads up. I haven't done a water pump on this engine or I would have a video to help!

[@stevehaman9469]

​@@younesnoaman8735 If you can change out that water pump in 6 hours my hat is off to you! Took me a day and a half just to drill out one of the stupid rusted exhaust bolts, then broke another two trying to get the manifold out of the way. Book said there would be special tools needed, but failed to list the jack hammer, torch and chain saw. Working on it just when I get some spare time it has been several weeks at this point. After that length of time the various nuts and bolts have managed to mingle in with the pile of junk in my garage that is growing daily from about forty different unfinished projects that keep erupting while I'm busily watching KZbin videos of how to tear this idiotic contraption apart. Most of them start with "well, I ain't never done this afore but ..." Or the mind numbing slow guys that describe every minute detail about each and every nut, bolt, and screw, please the running commentary on why in the world did GM hire these engineers from hell to design this monstrosity. Running a water pump directly off the timing chain? Putting said water pump behind the engine, under the exhaust manifold and above the steering sector? I can only surmise that you are a professional who has all the tools and a garage and lift, and a clean work bench on which to lay out the various parts and pieces in an orderly fashion to be able to put it all back together eventually. Again and my hat is off to you sir

[@mairi02]

Thanks for the great video, I have the identical problem on a 1999 Sunfire GT 2.4 and will now tackle the repair with confidence.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I'm glad you found my video and I hope it helps you with your repair. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@coolgamer5148]

Great to stumble on these older vids that is straight to the point and very informative 👍 this seems to be likely culprit for mine also do u know how to change valve cover gaskets on that engine am having tough time find correct sequence of operation have heard of cam lifting up while teardown and some other unknowns please help

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Sorry. I haven't done this job on this engine either.

[@Brenda-nc7fq]

My cam cover gaskets are leaking and the cams will pop up and cause a pain in the ass and the timing gears will have be removed too. I said no way,it's not worth it. I experimented on a junk engine first.

[@williest1]

I have a 2002 3.4L. I was driving around for a few hours and all the sudden white smoke was drifting from my hood. The temp gauge shot up over 200deg. I pulled over and looked under the car, it was actively leaving coolant and I could see where steam/smoke was emanting from engine. The leak seemed to occur where you pointed out. Pretty much all of the coolant drained out. The next day I had a water puddle. I'm hoping this is the problem and I should be able to fix it.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You have a different engine and a newer vehicle and I don't know if they have the same or similar part, but it's worth a look. Good luck!

[@alonsojimenez3489]

this videos was very helpful, I just want to say is better to loose the pipe from the nut under the heat shield cover, like that you wont damage the gasket in the water outlet.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Alonso Jimenez Thanks for watching and adding the helpful comment.

[@neogator26]

Good video!

[@madixables7995]

I keep having a problem where the metal hose that runs from the tank to the housing is leaking the oring is good any suggestions to fix it?

[@luisparra6255]

Is there a sensor in that piece that you removed? I have a cavalier 2.4 (Z24) that has a connector that goes there which seems to be damaged because when you move the plug the temperature needle stops working. I also wanted to know if it is possible to repair this part with some super glue, the nozzles of the hoses The heater broke so there is a water leak there that makes my car overheat and this part is very difficult to find in my country.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yes there is a temperature sensor in the water outlet. That would explain your temperature reading issues.

[@casper34481]

I am replacing mine today , Every thing thermostat, heater core, radiator, water pump had to be replaced ,Yes exhaust manifold had to be removed for the pump . Please if you have a leak do not leave plain water it it occasionally ad some antifreeze to it on any car they will rust and then after a few years you might be replacing parts the original owner of our car left water in it so far almost a 1500 repair bill

[@alexharrison7361]

Thanks, If you only knew how hard this was to find. water outlet housing on utube.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm glad you persisted an found it!

[@fredflintstone3956]

Would a '97 be similar enough to a '01 for this job? I'm looking at buying the '01, I'm told it has a leak from unknown origins, and I've heard some horror stories about working on the Quad 4.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+Michael Vinson This should apply to 1996-2002 2.4L engines. This is the only problem I ever encountered with coolant leakage on this car and it wasn't that hard to fix. It was kind of hard to find where it was coming from though. Good luck!

[@richeyvalentine]

another coolant leak problem you'll find is from the quick connect it's made of plastic and in time will break inside the hose its also a quick inexpensive fix.

[@maricellagonzalez7512]

The Original Mechanic I have a 1999 grand am. 2.4 l and I was at work started the car and violent was every where under the car I kept putting in coolant and didn't last a mile don't know if its the water pump or what having problems finding the leaking right before that the timing chain area was making a very loud noise but one the coolant went everywhere the noise stopped

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

That might be water pump trouble.

[@maricellagonzalez7512]

The Original Mechanic do u have a video on that on my specific car

[@amberberry8238]

Seems way more complicated than it is. Super easy really quick fix.

[@tomascharles5080]

I had this same problem.did yours over heat when it was leaking.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

No it didn't. Only because the leak became apparent only when the car was parked.

[@exee1]

Is it possible just to replace the seal ring instead of buying the entire unit?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

+exee1 I would imagine an o-ring could be found that would fit. But the part is not expensive and has to come out anyway so why not replace it?

[@brandonking1178]

The Original Mechanic sir I can put water or coolant in my car and it starts leaking from an area that you can't reach unless you take off the manifold. the faster you put water in it the faster it leaks out on the ground around the oil pan area so please point me in the right direction my car has been without anything to keep it cool and it's cutting off from over heating as well

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I don't know about the source of this problem. It sounds like that intake manifold may need to come off to find the where it coming from. I'm not familiar with this repair.

[@keemmccartney9809]

Brandon King he just showed u what it was bro mines doin the same thing I went thrown like 3 bottles of coolant a day n your car is shutting off cuz of the water r coolant hitting your gaskets n your spark plugs area if u get that part and replace the water outlet your car will keep your coolant and water

[@AnBnR1loveAlways]

how much did that piece cost you at advanced auto cause i need one going through about a gallon of antifreeze a day.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I paid $10.39.

[@AnBnR1loveAlways]

Re: Thank you i just did it it cost me16 but worth it. No more leak.

[@AnBnR1loveAlways]

The Original Mechanic well worth it.

[@TheSoftdeli2381]

What is the name of the part you replaced Im having trouble finding it and I dont know what its called.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

The only name I've seen for it is "water outlet." I found it under that name online on Advance Auto's website. It's about $6 as I recall.

[@realfamilyaffairs9548]

We’re is the radiator cap on a1996 grand am se

[@justinak3051]

have a 99 grand am 2.4L thats developed a leak from that spot, is this a common problem?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I believe so, judging solely by the comments and views on this video. Age and heat seem to deteriorate this part.

[@cla1100]

The Original Mechanic Yeah I had this replaced just again a second time in 3 years of so today on my car

[@anthonyrupe3103]

Do these cars have a thermostat somewhere??

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yes, I have never replaced one, though, and I don't know where it is located.

[@francisyapching1812]

Never saw thermostat in upper by air filter. Thermostat location is in bottom right corner of motor. You have to remove exhaust manifold unscrew deep stick then pull it upward. Really hard but I did it. Lot patients.

[@ladivampkitti]

can anyone tell me where the freeze plug(s) are located at on this engine?

[@JupiterTech1]

whats the name of that part?

[@casper34481]

the petcock is on driver side but does make a mess

[@alfredomartinez4697]

hi yo know where stay located core in this car. please answer

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

If you're talking about the heater core, I have never done one. I believe it is accessed through the dashboard.

[@hughjensen7162]

Thanks help out a lot

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[@tonybrantley]

Isn't there supposed to be a thermostat in there ?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

No, the thermostat is in a hard to access place, I've heard.

[@cla1100]

The Original Mechanic yeah I saw another vid on where the thrmostat is whichis at back of engine under a heat flashing and I think the manifold, but it can be changed without removing the manifold according to that vid

[@jacobmartinez4762]

Where is part 2

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I don't know why it doesn't automatically follow but here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3mbaZ1vlKyjnqc

[@bobobrazil1973]

them clamps are a pain in the butt.

[@yougod7253]

Yep they are replace them with normal ones home depot

[@joebloe5542]

Go buy yourself a spring clamp tool!!!!!

[@rubalcabachris]

I just replaced mine and its already leaking again -_-

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Looks like you might get to do it again. I've been there a few times myself. Good luck with it.

[@rubalcabachris]

ya i fixed it again. I had warranty on the part lol, hopefully it stays good.