1997 Chevrolet Cavalier coolant loss

[97prizm]

Hi all,
On the way to work my cavalier temp gauge was a little higher than usual but not into the red. It kept creeping up then about a block from work the coolant light came on. I went out to the parking lot after it cooled and there is coolant coating the right or passenger side underneath plus the coolant tank is empty. I can't seem to find a leak or burst hose. The cap on the coolant tank was tight. I'm stuck at work till 7am then have to figure how I can get it home. What do you think heather core, water pump, bad tank cap? I really hate this cat, am looking for a job and this is stressing me out. Any help appreciated.

 

[Ducked]

I'd say you need to refil (tap water OK in the circumstances) it and then run it up to temperature looking for leaks in good daylight.

Be careful. Scalding hurts.

I'd probably leave it where it is until diagnosed if that's an option.

 

[WyrTwister]

Check the oil & see if there is coolant in the oil . If so , I would consider stoping right then and there . If not , continue .

Fill the radiator . Start the car and let it idle & warm up enough for the thermostat to open . Then continue to fill the system until all the air is out of the system . If you have to , use 100% water . If you have some coolant , use it .

If you van , wash off the coolant that previously leaked onto the motor & engine compartment .

With the car idling , start looking for leaks . You said the leak was apparently on the right side / passenger side ? Start looking there first . Water pump , radiator , heater hoses , radiator hoses .

If you see nothing , put the radiator cap on & let the system presurize . That may produce a visable leak .

Best of luck to you ,

 

[The Critic]

Top off coolant and drive home.

 

[WyrTwister]

Check the oil & see if there is coolant in the oil . If so , I would consider stoping right then and there . If not , continue .

Fill the radiator . Start the car and let it idle & warm up enough for the thermostat to open . Then continue to fill the system until all the air is out of the system . If you have to , use 100% water . If you have some coolant , use it .

If you van , wash off the coolant that previously leaked onto the motor & engine compartment .

With the car idling , start looking for leaks . You said the leak was apparently on the right side / passenger side ? Start looking there first . Water pump , radiator , heater hoses , radiator hoses .

If you see nothing , put the radiator cap on & let the system presurize . That may produce a visable leak .

Best of luck to you ,

 

[charbaby]

Can you leave work at Lunch time, maybe with a co-worker or, can someone bring you a couple of gallons of any brand 50/50 coolant? This way you can get home and figure out what you're going to do from there!

 

[The_Jeff]

There's a 2 foot long metal pipe that comes out the side of the engine that goes around to the front where it meets the upper rubber radiator hose. Said pipe corrodes underneath and leaks. There's also the off chance that it's the o-ring where it meets the engine, or your plastic surge tank has a crack.

 

[andyd]

Whatever the cause, top off with water or coolant. fill a couple jugs with water and keep an eye on the gauge.Please post a follow up.

 

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
There's a 2 foot long metal pipe that comes out the side of the engine that goes around to the front where it meets the upper rubber radiator hose. Said pipe corrodes underneath and leaks. There's also the off chance that it's the o-ring where it meets the engine, or your plastic surge tank has a crack.


Plastic surge tank might indeed be bad , but I do not think it would cause the block to go dry ?

Wyr
God bless

 

[incognito_2u]

Had this exact car back in the day........bought brand new. My car had a similar condition like the one your experiencing now. Turned out it was the heater core that developed a leak. It was fixed under warranty. Check under the Passenger side floor mats and see if it is wet in that area.

 

[97prizm]

Well good news for now. I refilled the car and made it home. I let it idle for a bit and behold coolant seeping out from under the coolant cap on the expansion tank. A stupid design of you ask me. The radiator is stuck behind the bumper and the headlight assembly has to be removed to replace the bulbs. Thanks for the replies. I'm looking for a job and then turning this piece of junk into a 24 hours of Lemons racer next year.