Coolant Leak

[johnm]

Hey all, I tried searching and found some related stuff for pre-96 models but nothing specific enough to answer my question.

 

I have had a coolant leak for a while and finally found it. It appears to be dripping from the gasket at the thermo-element on the throttle body.

 

 

I'm wondering a couple things:

1) Can I replace that gasket without removing the throttle body from the manifold?

2) Do you think I should just replace the whole thing since the pathy is a 99 with 120K miles?

 

Edit: OK, I can't figure out how to put images in posts, so here's a link

 

http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=pic1.b41.JPG&album=0&public_view=1

 

Update: Spent half the afternoon search for parts. It looks like (at least online) the only way to fix this is to replace the whole throttle body. I'll see what the dealer parts department says on the phone tomorrow.

Edited April 5, 2010 by johnm

[johnm]

Just to follow up.

 

The correct name for the part is the Thermo-Element. Dealer only part, $150. I changed it out tonight after work.

 

There is an o-ring around the element, I guess it tends to leak after a while, the parts guy said it's not uncommon.

[fleurys]

it's a shame having to change a 150$ part for a 20 cents o-ring....:-( can't always win i guess...