Grand AM L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1997)
Water Pump: Customer Interest
Water Pump - Coolant Weepage
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-02-012
Date: December, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Water Pump Weep
(Install Coolant Collector)
Models:
1996-1998 Buick Skylark
1996-2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
1997-1999 Chevrolet Malibu
1996-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
1999-2001 Oldsmobile Alero
1996-2001 Pontiac Grand Am
1996-2002 Pontiac Sunfire
with 2.4L Engine (VIN T - RPO LD9)
Condition
Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle. A technician may notice that the water pump may show a
staining around the weep hole.
Cause
The occasional drop of coolant and the staining may be the evidence of normal coolant weepage. The weep hole prevents normal coolant weepage from
accumulating around the bearing seal. For more information on this normal condition, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-02-009.
Correction
Replacing the water pump for this normal weepage is likely to result in a repeat of the customer concern. To address customer concerns and promote
customer satisfaction, a coolant collector has been developed to trap and absorb normal weepage of the pump. The coolant collector is a hinged, two-part
collar that easily snaps around the neck of the water pump. Installing this new part is quick and effective and reduces unnecessary water pump
replacement.
The coolant collector has a limited capacity to absorb coolant. If diagnosis with a pressure test of the coolant system indicates a failed pump seal, or if
the customer concern is for coolant consumption, installing the coolant collector will not correct the condition.
Coolant Collector Installation
1.
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information subsection of the applicable Service
Manual.
2.
Place the open hinged coolant collector around the narrow neck area of the water pump. Position the hinged portion towards the front of the
vehicle. Close the coolant collector, ensuring the tongue enter the latch. Exert pressure to lock the coolant collector in place until an audible click
is heard, which ensure retention.
3.
Lower the vehicle.
Parts Information
The coolant collector is available as part of an updated water pump kit and is also available separately.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
