Hey I have a 2000 cavalier with the 2200 and I'm losing coolant, what happens is if I'm sitting in traffic lets say, the temp will rise like it will always do but once it reaches around 220 I smell coolant. I've noticed it likes to boil out of the overflow tube, could this be because an improper mixture of coolant to water, or maybe a faulty reservoir cap? I've always mixed coolant 50/50. I could try maybe 55/45 (coolant / water) or even 60/40 if you think that would help my problem.

Take your spark plugs out and see if there white. If you don't see any coolant leaking on the ground chances are you have a bad head gasket.


Proud owner: 2002 Cavalier Sedan 2200SFI LN2 4-speed auto.Slowest compact car, only designed for school and groceries.

50/50 is what is called for.. make sure your fan is kicking on..... and getting a new cap on the reservoir is only like $5, if it's not holding pressure correctly, it can let the fluid boil, as the pressure raises the boiling point.. I had the same issues as you though, ended up being a head gasket.

Might be time for an oil change; or at least check the dipstick for any foamy residue. If you top your car off with coolant and it disappears without leaking, it's probably the head gasket, as stated above.