Hello,

Does anyone know if the 3.4 has the plastic coolant elbows or something similar near the tensioner pulley arm? I know the 3.8 has them but did a quick search and couldn't find any info on that...
Thanks!

 

Idk if the 3.4 does, but mine just broke :/

 

i asked that question a week or so ago, a member with the 3.4 powered monte said they do not have the coolant elbows

 

Maybe this will help. The tube that runs around the top of the motor could be leaking but that is higher up. It could be a lower intake manifold leak.

 

The 3.4 odes NOT have a coolant elbow. As seen in the pic lougreen provided, it has a black coolant tube/neck that comes up from the water pump housing, one part runs along the front valve cover, the other has a short (goofy shaped) rubber hose that connects to a tube that goes to the intake.

If you have coolant around the tensioner, look at your hood insulation. Is it wet? If it's wet, odds are you have a bad water pump. If it's not, I'd advise getting a radiator pressure tester (normally you can do a loan-a-tool at the parts store for it) and pressurize the system and inspect for leaks. Coolant could be coming from:
- Failed hose (such as the goofy one I mentioned)
- LIM gasket
- Water Pump

Those are the only things I believe passing coolant NEAR the tensioner.

 

Thanks for the help and info guys! Turns out it was the timing cover gasket that blew out where the coolant goes into the back half of the engine (the coolant travels from the pump through the top of the timing chain cover on the 3.4). It was leaking out and down behind where the power steering lines run down from the pump. The gasket was pretty badly eroded and I imagine this is how I was getting a very small amount of coolant in my oil lately. I have not noticed anyone else mention this problem so hopefully this is helpful for someone down the road. Should have her up and running again by midday tomorrow!

 

You mention that and I think one other member here had that issue. Glad it was found!!

My '94 3100 powered Grand Am (the same basic engine that your 3400 is) has NEVER had that gasket changed and it's got almost 220,000 miles!! I hope it just keeps holding on like the rest of the car!!

 

my coworker just had that done on her 3.1 lumina