I drove my Fiero to my co-workers busted down Bonniville (now it is Fiero related). It h as a series one 3800 in it. He had a massive coolant leak. We tracked it down to that plastic nipple that a small coolant hose attaches to on the intake. That nipple just snapped off leaving the threaded end in the intake. So we tried pulling the rest out. I managed to get what was left split then pulled out pieces of half. The other half accidentally got pushed into the manifold. I tried fishing it out but I only pushed it further back. I know it is not ideal but how much damage could that do if I can't fish it out? I don't want to mess up my co-workers car.

It can restrict the coolant flow and cause poor heater performance. I would try real hard to get it out, just so you know it isn't causing problems. Use a wire coat hanger with a small hook bent into the end, and a small flash light to see in there.

not to hijack, but where can one find another one of those plastic pieces. I just ordered a lim online and it was snapped off inside just as you described.

any parts store should have it in the help section. I got mine from advance auto.

try a vaccume and modify a small hose like thing to the end of it and try to suck it out. or get it closer to the hole so you can pick it out with out pushing it farther in the intake.

quote Originally posted by joshh44: try a vaccume and modify a small hose like thing to the end of it and try to suck it out. or get it closer to the hole so you can pick it out with out pushing it farther in the intake.

Oooo that is good. + for you sir. I will try that. I think I can get at it with a dental pick. I just didn't have it with me at the time. I will bring a modded vacuum though. This poor guy just had a baby then his car busted a hose on him and left him stranded. He was going to fill it with coolant and drive it home. I explained that if it stranded him he more than likely had a nice leak, and if he didn't already blow a head gasket from overheating he would when he overheated it again trying to drive with a leak that size. Should have him back on the road tonight. Thanks folks much appreciated.

The experts on the Buick Regal forum I go on all say to use the GM elbows rather than the Motormite or other cheaper brands as the cheaper ones don't hold up as well as the OEM ones.

Got it out and got him back on the road. Thanks folks.