Pontiac Repair: antifreeze leak, intake manifold gasket, antifreeze leak

Question
QUESTION: 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6   I have a leak on the right  of the motor, possibly around timing cover.  It only leaks when the car is running--it has not over heated, since I've owned the car (Oct. 2001).  Could that be the problem and if so is it hard to replace??  I replaced the water pump back in Febuary.  

Thank you for your time,
Angela
imfreeatlast70@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Hi Angela:

first off when you say right of engine do you mean the right bank of the engine meaning back by the fire wall aor do you mean the right of the engine "passenger side" timing covers do not usually leak on these engines. If it's leaking my the water pump it's possable that the gasket failed or the old one was not removed corectly before the pump was replaced. That engine is noted for lower intake manifold gasket leaking and they run down the block along side the timing cover so it could be confused as that leaking. Good luck :)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer.  Yes, I do mean the passenger side of the car.  You say lower intake manifold gasket.  The repair manual only lists intake manifold gasket.  It does not say anything about upper and lower. Is that the same thing?  Or is there more than one set of manifold gaskets (Upper and Lower)?  If so, where are the lower one located?

Answer
The lower intake manifold gaskets go between the cylinder heads and the intake manifold it's self. the upper intake manifold gaskets are also known and plenium gaskets. The lower gaskets tend to go gad often on these engines they are plastic with a rubber insert and the plastic crack from the heat cycles and then they leak both externally and sometimes internally into the engine and the oild looks like a milk shake then "NOT GOOD". Those engines also have head gasket issues but they usually only leak extrnally when the engine has sat for a while and has cooled down. You may wnat to get a bottle of tracer dye and add it to the system and let it run. It's a florecent dye that shows up with a black light just add it to the coolant and you can find the leak easier. if it's bad enough you will not even need the black light it will show up a bright green color under normal ambient light. Good luck :0