Ok, if it happens to be a head gasket, how hard is it to replace on the 3800? I've never done a head gasket before.

 

Its honestly not that hard. I had it all off in 3 hours. The first time it took me bout 2 weeks but i had no experience and only a $80 craftsman set. You will need some special tools to make the process painless. Also a torque angler to reinstall the heads.
Here is list of tools you should get besides your basic sockets and wrenches
Craftsman -3/8 in. Drive Full Polish Stubby Flex Head Quick Release Teardrop Ratchet
FXWP3, Extension, Wobble Plus, Friction Ball, 3"
OTC Torque Angle Gauge 360 Degree Scale Marked in 2 Degree Increments 1/2"Drive (731413039003) | eBay

 

today I starting taking it apart. I removed the alt. and ac compressor and did a pressure test on the cooling system. I found one of the heater hose elbows where leaking. that would explain the external leak but would that make it seem like coolant is getting into the cylinders or make it run different? What should my next step be?

 

pick up a set of plastic elbows on one of your many trips to the parts store. continue with disassembly.

 

So, I should not install new elbows and do a cooling system pressure test?

 

install new elbows. testing cooling system would be a option. if you feel the elbow was the issue then its a good idea. compression test may tell you that it is a head gasket or some other compression issue or if good compression you would want to take a good look at the intake. if coolant pressure test holds you may have found the problem.

 

Im thinking its would be strange that I would have the elbow fail at the same time as some other internal problem. they must be connected some how. and its also strange that any thing happened because the head gaskets have 47000 miles and the rest of the gaskets have around 3000. the engine never had any over heating problems or anything.

 

this is a thread I made about this problem when it started in dec. https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02...s-66822/page2/

 

have a game so i gota go be back in a few hours. ill have to look when i get back

 

If that's the case, you have an internal engine problem, or a blown gasket. The elbow has nothing to do with the engine drinking coolant, it would just be a coincidence. Now, this is figuring that coolant is indeed running continuously out of the tailpipe, and/or you're getting white steam. It's considered normal for the exhaust to drip some moisture after a cold start up, but it will stop after the engine and exhaust system warms up. If that's all you're seeing, then you may not have an internal coolant leak. Based on this, tell a little more about just what you're seeing out of the exhaust, and when you're seeing it. More info may help you from barking up the wrong tree.