1. Home
  2. General Motors Forum
  3. 1992 Buick LeSabre

1992 Buick LeSabre

I'm going to do my best to explain the problem I've got, so bear with me. My mother's '92 Lesabre started overheating the other day. Got it home and closer inspection revealed a heavy leak from one of the hoses. There is a curved hose that comes off the block approx. 6-8 inches long behind the alternator and seems to connect to the lower radiator hose. I've removed the alternator to inspect the hose and the plastic fitting (nipple) coming out of the engine has snapped, leaving what I think may be a threaded end in the block and the male end with a 1 1/8" hex like fitting in the hose. If in fact this is threaded in, any thoughts on removing it successfully? Will the local dealer parts counter carry a replacement (what's the correct terminology here)? OR am I looking at a larger problem? Thanks in advance.

Sincerely, mrm

Reply to
mrm
Loading thread data ...

"mrm" wrote

Common problem on the 3800 engines. I believe you are referring to the nipple that faces forward and is threaded into the lower intake manifold? These have been changed up to a metal version that won't break like those old plastic ones.

The easiest way to remove the old threaded section is to get a hacksaw blade and cut into the plastic threaded section until you have slotted it in about five places. Just cut thru the plastic from the inside hole towards the manifold and don't worry if you cut into the aluminum threads. The threads are not what seals this nipple. There is an o-ring seal that ends up sealing the nipple. After you have made your cuts...you should be able to just chip out the pieces of plastic.

Ian

Reply to
shiden_kai

Same thing happened on my '92 Bonneville (3800 V6).

Your replacement nipple will be metal. I got mine at the dealer, but later found one at Pep Boys for a few less $$.

Got the broken nipple out of the lower manifold by inserting a serrated knife blade in and turning... came out real easy.

Reply to
Kirsten

Reply to
Oliver B. Lafferty

Thanks for the input. Picked the fitting up yesterday and removed the broken one with a hacksaw blade. I was as careful as I could be in removing the pieces, not to let any fall back into the intake manifold. But after I gathered up all the scrap pieces, I fear some may have been left in the manifold. Just looking at it, it doesn't look like any easy removal to fish any pieces of the fitting out. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Reply to
mrm

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.