05 Gp 3800 Coolant On Black Elbow Under Pcv?

JackalAR · April 5, 2011

Hello, I have a 2005 Grand Prix GT1 with NA 3800 with 95k mi. A little background. I had the WP replaced @ 35k mi. under warranty. I did a thorough coolant flush, thermostat, and change over to the yellow'ish green universal coolant last summer. I have the aluminum upper intake manifold so I shouldn't have the intake / head gasket issues that the pre-05's did, and that just about killed my buddy's 03 Impala last month.

My wife and I have been very faintly smelling coolant here and there since it got warm enough to have the windows down. I noticed the reservoir was about a quart lower than usual. I topped it off and drove it today, and noticed the smell again several times. I went straight to the water pump thinking I'd find a slow weep or telltale signs on the underhood insulation, but there was none. I did however track the smell and moisture (also grime build-up of course) to all I can think to call it is the lower PCV housing. There is a black (plastic?) elbow that runs from the lower intake manifold over to the bracket that the tensioner pulley secures to. There is a thin "stream" of coolant on the highlighted area (corner) of the elbow as pictured below. Confirmed with smell and taste. If I wipe it dry, it returns in about a minute. It's not enough to collect a heavy drip, but will wet your finger.

Any idea what the issue here is? I can't tell where it might be migrating from. Click on the thumbs to full res pic. Thanks!!!