Hello Scotty! I am looking for help/guidance. I’m having a few issues with my 2000 Pontiac Grand AM GT 3.4L V6, its got 144k miles. The most prominent issue right now is my coolant reservoir started bubbling out fluid this morning and there is a small crack in the tank. I could use some advice on how to go about fixing this. I don’t have the money for a mechanic, it’s the first car I’ve ever bought for myself so I’m trying to teach myself as I go. The other two things I have to fix are my serpentine belt (which is alright for now, but it is getting pretty worn, and I have a new part for it), and the O2 sensor. I’ve been trying aimlessly to fix the O2 sensor, and cannot for the life of me get it off (even with all the WD40 and PBblaster in the world).
Let me know your thoughts! And also, which I should fix first.
The most prominent issue right now is my coolant reservoir started bubbling out fluid this morning and there is a small crack in the tank. I could use some advice on how to go about fixing this.
Replace the cracked/leaking coolant tank. It's pressurized, so coolant will forcefully spray out as the engine heats up.
I’ve been trying aimlessly to fix the O2 sensor, and cannot for the life of me get it off (even with all the WD40 and PBblaster in the world).
Is it the upstream or downstream O2 sensor? Why are you replacing it? Is the sensor output testing bad? Heat will help you get the sensor off. You should be using a good O2 sensor socket. You can try heating the area around the sensor with a torch and tap the sensor. If it really is bad be sure to replace it with an OEM sensor.
which I should fix first.
I'd say the cooling system leak. You're not going to get very far with coolant spraying out of a cracked tank. You might also want to check for other leaks given the age of the car using a pressure tester and/or UV dye. You can bet any original hoses have deteriorated over the last 24 years.
The serpentine belt should also be changed ASAP, obviously you won't get far with a broken belt either.
it’s the first car I’ve ever bought for myself
The 3.4 is a very failure prone engine.
I strongly suggest NOT sinking too much money into this car, and looking for something else.
I also meant to mention, if coolant is bubbling out under pressure BEFORE the engine warms up you may well have a blown head gasket. If that is the symptom you are seeing I would highly recommend testing the head gasket before doing anything else, since if it has a blown gasket the cost of repair would far exceed the value of the car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U8Iyf0kk4