Ok so, I'm sure this has been addressed already since it seems to be a fairly common issue, however I'm having trouble finding the threads.
Bought a 96 with the v6 engine recently, she had low miles, was in excellent condition and had no signs of the notorious blown head gasket issue. She's been driving like a champ and currently has about 86,000 miles under her. (Not a typo, not a new engine, everything stock. I got very lucky)
I just recently had an experience with an unexpected overheating issue. We replaced the cap and the bad thermostat, flushed the system, burped the air pockets etc. It ran beautifully for a few days, and then overheating again, this time I was able to turn the heater on and bleed enough heat off the engine to limp her home.
My problem is currently: she's been tested twice now at different shops, pressure tests beautifully, no visible leaking, no coolant in the oil, no anything. But I'm losing coolant. I've looked into it and am thinking it could be the upper intake manifold. Especially since I just replaced the alternator (which would have been rattling and pulling on the plastic manifold), and she's also running sluggishly.
Can anyone please tell me if I'm on the right track with the manifold, and where a good place to get one for not a million dollars would be? If not the manifold, what else could be causing my mystery leak, or where the heck is the coolant disappearing to?!
I know that was a long post, but thanks in advance for any input
Bought a 96 with the v6 engine recently, she had low miles, was in excellent condition and had no signs of the notorious blown head gasket issue. She's been driving like a champ and currently has about 86,000 miles under her. (Not a typo, not a new engine, everything stock. I got very lucky)
I just recently had an experience with an unexpected overheating issue. We replaced the cap and the bad thermostat, flushed the system, burped the air pockets etc. It ran beautifully for a few days, and then overheating again, this time I was able to turn the heater on and bleed enough heat off the engine to limp her home.
My problem is currently: she's been tested twice now at different shops, pressure tests beautifully, no visible leaking, no coolant in the oil, no anything. But I'm losing coolant. I've looked into it and am thinking it could be the upper intake manifold. Especially since I just replaced the alternator (which would have been rattling and pulling on the plastic manifold), and she's also running sluggishly.
Can anyone please tell me if I'm on the right track with the manifold, and where a good place to get one for not a million dollars would be? If not the manifold, what else could be causing my mystery leak, or where the heck is the coolant disappearing to?!
I know that was a long post, but thanks in advance for any input