I have a 95 cavalier. The car runs great aside from having to replace the starter since I got it I have had no problems...very reliable. I noticed a while ago (probably a year or so) that my coolant light came on, so I filled her up. Several months down the road the light came on again so again I filled her up. The problem is now the light keeps coming on quite frequent (anywhere from 3-5 days, so I keep filling it up). I can see the leak on the engine (nothing is coming out of the rad). There is no smoking, oil leaking or anything. Does this sound like a head gasket problem? Is it worth it to get it fixed (as it has been going on I guess for about a year)? Any ideas how much that type of repair job would cost?
2007-01-15 04:32:21 · 7 answers · asked by jennstarr 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There is definitely a coolant leak somewhere, but before you just assume it's the head gasket, get it mechanically inspected to be sure.
Typically a blown head gasket will result in some other problems with the car. (ie oil and water mixing, overheating, large amounts of white smoke coming out the back of the car) You didn't mention any of these other problems that are associated with a head gasket leak.
I would check to see if you're losing water from
1. the water pump? Your water pump may be bad and usually the water pump begins to leak before completely going out.
2. You've got a bad radiator cap, and it's not holding the radiator fluid under proper pressure and allowing coolant to overflow out the overflow tank. (I mean this is like a $10 part cheap to try)
3. Do you notice water inside your passenger compartment? Maybe you've got a heater core leak? Sometimes the leak is over the A/C drain pan and you won't see coolant in the passenger compartment.
Those are just some other things to look for.
Good Luck.
2007-01-15 04:51:33 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all, you are supposed to completely flush the coolant every so often. usually you can get by changing it every 2 years or so depending on how much you drive. look in your owners manual to see when it recomends changing it.
where is it coming out if the engine? if it is from the head it might be a head gaskit, or some gm engines also had intake gaskit problems. make sure it isnt just a loose line. if it is from the bottom of the engine, most likely it is your water pump. if the leak isnt too bad, there is this stuff you can pour into the radiator to stop the leak. basicly all it is, is aluminum shavings. i used it in my dirtbike because there was a small leak in one of the radiators, and it worked very well.
also check your oil, if there is water in the oil(it will look milky) then it is most likely a gaskit problem.
a gaskit will cost around $30 - $50 and look at paying around $200 for someone to change it. the water pump should be around $200 maybe a little more. labor i have no idea because i have never even looked at the water pump on a cavalier.
2007-01-15 04:51:54 · answer #2 · answered by createdtodestry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any time prestone is missing on a reguler basis it should be pressure tested when completely cold. if the pressure drops but no visable drips etc, then it most likely the heads. some gm motors are prone to this problem and are well known. also you may have the plugs removed and inspected for signs of improper ignition. i am sorry to say that it should be seen by an equiped competant mechanic. for that i wish you very good luck.ps if you dont make sure there is enough prestone you will need a head job for sure.
2007-01-15 04:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by barbonzo1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends where the leak is. If it is just a radiator hose then that is cheap and easy ti fix. Take the car to a shop and have someone look at it. I would keep the car if it is cheap to fix. A headgasket would run you $500-$900 for the job.
2007-01-15 05:10:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All depends on how much damage go to a shop and ask them it might be a minor head gasket problem but get it checked asap so it doesnt affect more of the car
2007-01-15 04:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
time for something newer,every thing will need replacing soon,it is 12 yrs old good luck,have a mechanic look at the coolant problem and give you an estimate in fact get 2 estimates
2007-01-15 04:39:44 · answer #6 · answered by vincent c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change the radiator cap is too old and is leaking.
if You take it to a mechanic DO NOT say the word head gasket.
buy the cap and do it Yourself.(buy it by year,model,maker.)
2007-01-15 05:36:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋