Achieva L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1996)
Thermostat Gasket: Customer Interest
Cooling System - Coolant Loss/Leakage/Lamp On/or Odor
File In Section: 6 - Engine
Bulletin No.: 67-62-04
Date: December, 1996
Subject:
Coolant Loss, Visible Coolant Leakage, Low Coolant Lamp On, or Coolant Odor, Caused by Coolant Leakage (Install a New Thermostat Gasket)
Models:
1996-97
Buick Skylark
1996-97
Chevrolet Cavalier
1997
Chevrolet Malibu
1996-97
Oldsmobile Achieva
1996-97
Pontiac Sunfire, Grand Am
with 2.2L, 2.4L Engines (VINs 4, T - RPOs LN2, LD9)
Built before October, 1996
Condition
Some customers may comment about engine coolant loss, low coolant lamp on, visible coolant, or a coolant odor from the engine compartment. Some
owners may be unable to distinguish the coolant from transmission fluid due to its orange color.
Cause
Some 1996 and 1997 J and N model cars equipped with 2.4 Liter (VIN Engine Code T RPO LD9) engines may exhibit coolant leakage at the joint where
the radiator outlet pipe is connected to the coolant pump cover. In addition, some of these vehicles may exhibit leakage at the joint between the cooling
system air bleed pipe and the coolant outlet. On 2.2 Liter engines (VIN Engine Code 4 - RPO LN2) coolant leakage may occur between the thermostat
housing and the coolant inlet pipe.
Correction
On vehicles exhibiting leakage at the thermostat gasket joint, install a new thermostat gasket with part number 24576633, using procedures outlined in
the Engine Cooling Section on the Service Manual.
1.
If any of the previously noted conditions occur, first inspect the vehicle per the Engine Cooling Section of the applicable Service Manual. If no
other cause is found for the condition, proceed with step 2.
2.
Inspect the joint between the radiator outlet pipe (thermostat housing on 2.2L engines) and the coolant pump cover (coolant inlet pipe on 2.2L
engines) for signs of leakage. Pressure or dye testing may be necessary in some instances.
