I did a search, but of course I didnt find anything yet. Coolant is leaking down the behind the pump on the passenger side. It looks as if all the bolts are wet as well and that looks like it might be he main problem. Im hoping somebody knows this and just say "yeah they all do that, its an easy fix, here ya go!"

thanks in advance

 

You need to do a coolant pressure test to know exactly where the leak is coming from. A lot of times the LIM gaskets go out on 3100's, but you won't know for sure until you've performed the test. Once you find the leak, we can go from there

 

how do I do that test and whats the LIM gaskets?

 

A lot of times you can rent a test kit at Autozone or a parts store. You remove the radiator cap and replace it with the kit and pump air into the coolant system. This will bring the pressure in the coolant system up and by doing so you will simulate coolant flow as if the engine was running (you don't want the engine to be running while doing the test). With pressure in the system, and if there is a leak somewhere, coolant will start to come out of the leak either by spraying/pouring/mild leaking. Once you have the area identified, then you fix the problem.

LIM gaskets = Lower Intake Manifold gaskets. The lower intake manifold sits on top of the engine's heads. It's a common problem with 3100/3400/3800 v6's, but you need to do the test to make sure where the leak is coming from.

 

Just change the pump. I replaced mine on the GP it took 10 minutes and 23 dollars with a life time warranty

 

gotcha, thanks

 

Coolant also flows through the belt tensioner through two plastc elbows. Look at the front and bottom side of the tensioner and you'll see them. They crack and leak over the years, it's well documented idiotic design flaw. It gets everywhere from there. Check those first.

 

If the pump is bad and leaking most the time you have coolant on the hood insulation (it flings coolant as it seeps out). The water pump is one of the EASIEST things to change. BUT, if it's not your problem, it wasted time and money.

The radiator pressure tester will help a lot. Your description of behind the water pump is REALLY lending itself to being a bad lower intake gasket. This is a common problem GM has had with the V6 lines, as they use nylon gaskets the last about 80K-120K miles before they disfigure from the hoot coolant on them.

@98Z34 - You have the wrong engine. The OP has a 3.1, not a 3.8. The 3100/3400's do NOT have coolant elbows. That's a 3800 thing.

 

Oh, my bad. I didn't know that, thank you for the education!

 

No problem. For not being a mechanic, I've helped with a bunch of 3100/3400s more then the 3800. I know the top part of those engines fairly good these days.