Hey everyone.
I have a 2000 Cavalier Z24 that I bought new in 2000. I've been an off and on lurker on this site since then.
Fast forward to today. The Cavalier has 174,xxx miles on it, and is having a problem retaining coolant. The thing that is really frustrating me, is I can't find where the coolant is going. I recently had a gasket around the thermostat housing replaced, because I was loosing coolant through there. I ended up having to get that redone again a few weeks later, because the initial repair failed. In both situations, I lost coolant quickly.
Now I am losing coolant somewhere else.I had to put almost 2 full jugs of the 50/50 pre-mix coolant in it last weekend. I have had it parked since Saturday night. I don't think it is leaking from that spot again, because I am not noticing any new puddles / stains in the garage or driveway. This would lead me to believe that there is an internal leak somewhere, however I would then expect to see tons of white smoke out the exhaust or find coolant in the exhaust pipe. Neither one of these things is happening.
The car has been running hot, but not in the "red" area on the temp gauge. It doesn't run this way for long, because I add more coolant when it starts getting hotter than normal. This causes the temperature to go back down to normal. I also add coolant when the low coolant warning light comes on the dash. Another thing worth mentioning is that I pulled the dipstick out to check the oil level. The oil itself looked normal, however it was a quart low. There was also white steam/smoke coming out of the tube for the dipstick.
What else could possibly be causing this coolant loss? The only other thing I can think of is there is something that starts leaking when the car has ran for awhile. Any input would be greatly welcomed.
2.4 Automatic. Completely stock.
Thanks
wow bro....i notice no one can do sh!t for you. you have anilized this like an animal and well while i was reading you answered my questions to help you.... if you have the z 24 and you love it........... rebuild that motor and pray that this fixes it. i mean bro.. its leaving the motor... the motor is thirtsy as hell and hates oil or check your radiator cap, getting a new one could go the trick. them 50/50s are not cheap man i love my z and use opnly the best in the world in it because its my car and i love it. i use royal purple from top to bottom and let me tell you paying the 2 beans extra for my baby is not a problem... i dont want to use cheap a$ lotion on my skin so why should i treat my 99 z24 like a slut and all that.... man im a talker.... so im out. i wish you the best and if you dont want that z 24 let me know first! ill buy it cash! i love mines but i want another one auto to trick out
Ain't Nothing To it But To Do IT!!!
