The plastic coolant elbow in the Grand Prix GTP helps direct coolant through the engine. The elbow can become brittle with age, causing it to fracture and break. It should be replaced to prevent coolant from leaking. To remove the plastic coolant elbow, you must first remove the alternator and belt tensioner assembly.
Open the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal cable from the battery.
Locate the drain plug on the lower right corner of the radiator. Place a catch pan underneath the drain plug. Remove the plug and let the coolant drain out of the radiator. Insert the plug and move the catch pan out of the way when finished.
Locate the belt routing diagram at the front of the vehicle. Place a ratchet and socket on the nut in the middle of the belt tensioner pulley. Move the tensioner clockwise to slacken the belt and remove it from the rest of the pulleys.
Remove the three bolts holding the alternator in place. Disconnect the electrical connector at the back of the alternator. Remove the retaining nut on the other side and slide the positive battery terminal loop connector from the stud.
Remove the three bolts holding the belt tensioner assembly in place and remove the assembly. Carefully remove the plastic elbow and O-ring from the engine.
Use silicone grease to lubricate the plastic elbow ends and O-ring. Install the O-ring and elbow into the engine. Remount the belt tensioner to the engine. Insert the retaining bolts and tighten them with the ratchet and socket.
Slide the positive battery terminal loop connector onto the alternator's stud and tighten the retaining nut over it. Reconnect the electrical connector into the socket on the back of the alternator.
Mount the alternator onto the bracket. Insert the retaining bolts into the alternator and tighten them with the ratchet and socket.
Route the serpentine belt according to the belt routing diagram at the front of the engine compartment. Move the belt tensioner clockwise and slide the belt over the tensioner pulley. Make sure the belt lines up properly on all of the pulleys.
Refill the coolant reservoir with engine coolant until the MAX fill line is reached. Check underneath the radiator and engine for any leaks. Dispose of the used coolant in an environmentally friendly manner.
