Pontiac Repair: leaking coolant, needle nose pliers, heater hoses

Question
my car is a 2000 pontiac grand prix gt.v6=k engine is leaking from the elbow from the intake/manifold is around the water pump and the belt tensionar is holding the bracket.how do you replace it. and is only a 90 degree elbow with two o=rings.the part is called pipe asm-htr wat.

Answer
Hey paul.

your have to remove the alternator and the belt first then the tensioner. I believe on that year there is also a o-ring seal on the tension where is seals to the front timing cover. once you remove the tensioner that elbow will pull out of the intake manifold. if it breaks off "which it will" use a pick or small screwdriver to remove the broken plastic pieces out of the manifold or a small pair of needle nose pliers works good as well. when you re assemble it spray some spray silicone on all the o-rings it will make it easier to slide it in and get things lined up. it's relly a pretty easy job. take one of the heater hoses off the tensioner assembly whenyou refill the coolant the air will escape easier then trying to bleed it out with the belleder screw o the thermostat housing. good luck :}

Follow up. Thanks for the kind words. the hoses I was refering to are the 2 heater hoses attach to the tensioner bracket. take one of the 2 hoses off when you are refilling the radaitor that way the trapped air will escape out the fitting where the hose was attached other wise if you don't this engine is really tough to get that air out and it will over heat on you before you get it tottaly full of coolant. when the radiator is full then re atatch the hose before you start the engine.