89 Grand AM Outlet Cracking

Have a 98 Grand AM 2.4L, I have went through 6 water outlets due to them cracking. Some have lasted months and the last one about a week. Some reason they crack. I have no issues getten them to seal, no pressure is applied to where they will crack from installing. Could it possable be an issue with the thermostat or cap, to much pressure?

And i did scan the fourms but only found one on a leak there but was not about them cracking, witch might be his issue also.

thanks for the input, wish they made metal ones.

Welcome to AF.

Which pipe exactly ?

The lower one with the thermostat ??

Welcome to AF.

Which pipe exactly ?

The lower one with the thermostat ??

Thanks, after a search of the internet this was the usualy the site that would pop up.

It it the upper outlet, has the raidator hose, hose from the heater, temp sensor and the tube to purge the air. It just seems like the plastic is vibrating till it cracks, or its flawed. Im am getting the parst from napa. ones from the dealership have to be ordered and are 3 times as much. Do you think that they are made better? Or can anyone show or point me in a direction where they are made of metal.

Thanks again

Having the same problem with a 97 Grand AM. I just put on the 5th
water outlet last week. Brand new motor and water outlet, and it blew in less than 800 miles. (Which I'm beginning to think was the cause of the problem that resulted in the rebuild.) The broken pieces get to the water pump and damage it.
The last 2 I bought have the word china on them.
Maybe this is a clue.
I have thought about having one made of aluminam at a machine shop but fear it would cost $500.00.
Please, someone help us.

Having the same problem with a 97 Grand AM. I just put on the 5th
water outlet last week. Brand new motor and water outlet, and it blew in less than 800 miles. (Which I'm beginning to think was the cause of the problem that resulted in the rebuild.) The broken pieces get to the water pump and damage it.
The last 2 I bought have the word china on them.
Maybe this is a clue.
I have thought about having one made of aluminam at a machine shop but fear it would cost $500.00.
Please, someone help us.


I finally got one with out china stamped on it. One other thing is that I figured the air bleed would work better then it did. But run it till it cycles a few times with the cap off. Get the berp out, I havent had a problem again.

I do think they make a metal tube, instead of the cheapo plastic. Ask the stealership or NAPA. :2cents:

I do think they make a metal tube, instead of the cheapo plastic. Ask the stealership or NAPA. :2cents:

They do not make a metal one, checked everywhere. Was going to have one mde next if the last didnt work.

I finally got one with out china stamped on it. One other thing is that I figured the air bleed would work better then it did. But run it till it cycles a few times with the cap off. Get the berp out, I havent had a problem again.


Contacted a dealer, was informed that they sell very few of them which was somewhat reassuring. The down side is that it will cost $39.00 as opposed to $14.00 at Autozone. Haven't picked one up yet but will shortly
and give it a try. He also reassured me that it was not made in China.
Good luck with yours.