I have a low mileage 1990 Deville with the 4.5L engine and it's losing coolant.

I don't think it's overheating but it is losing coolant, somewhere above the water pump near the back.

Initially, we thought it was the water pump. And nine out of ten times, that would have been the case. Anyhow, I replaced the waterpump, 5 hour job, and learned that it wasn't my problem afterall. Intersting enough, the bolts toward the rear of the pump were "hand tight" and some were even loose - so it may have been part of the problem.

My brother seams to think it's coming from a pinky sized hole just where I said earlier, just above the water pump toward the back.

The problem aside, the car starts right up with A/C running full blast and would probably drive anywhere. Well, at least until all the water poured out. No knocks, no dummy lights, no oil in the coolant.

We're thinking it could be a rotted frieze plug but really we're at a loss. Any ideas?

oooh, i had this problem with one of my pumps after i got it replaced. i never even got to fix it before I got a new motor. I found out, however, that there was supposed to be a stuf sticking through the water pump and a 10mm nut on the outside, yeah- not there. some of the bolts, like you said were finger tight. they aren't supposed to be torqued much at all, but certainly more than finger tight....

i think it may be a conspiracy... :rolleyes:

I dont' know about that. And getting my post moved here sure killed it.

Anyhow, I think the leak may or may not be from either a frieze plug or the intake gasket.

I called a few people and estimates are running $300 to $600 dollars not including a tow.

Is this about right?

Mark