I have a '03 Chevy Impala, it seems as if my radiator fluid has a very very tiny leak, I must put more in probably every 3 weeks but not alot. Also my heat becomes kind of cold when I experience this problem and only provides heat when I accelerate. When I add more radiator fluid it seems to be normal, why is this?
2007-03-01 12:54:46 · 11 answers · asked by br0hamus 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Slow loss of coolant on GM V6 is is almost always the intake.
If it is a 3.4 replace intake gaskets. If it is a 3.8 you need to replace the intake plenum. Either way check inside the valve cover for signs of coolant in the oil.
2007-03-01 13:42:46 · answer #1 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to fill it up and then run it up and get it hot and then you need to look for the leak.
Then I would flush the system. They have a product for that at the auto supply.
After having the leak attended to or if not because it is a small leak, add antifreeze and water to correspond with your climate and add a sealer also... that should correct a small leak
The fact that your radiator having leaked some of the fluid out is not supplying the hoses to the heater with the fluid until you accelerate.
2007-03-01 13:11:03 · answer #2 · answered by dVille 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probably need intake manifold gaskets. GM has a horrible problem with the gasket especially the 3.1 and 3.4 engines. Sometimes the engine oil will mix with the coolant through the gaskets as well. Have a shop take a look at it for you, but be prepared for a healthy repair bill. I also recommend flushing out the Dexcool and putting green back in. If you go back with Dexcool don't believe the 100,000 mile service interval. More like 50 to 60K. Good luck.
2007-03-01 13:40:33 · answer #3 · answered by grease junkie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When your fluid is low there isn't enough to flow through the heater core. Take your car to a radiator shop and have them pressure check it to find the leak. You could just have a hose or gasket leaking, if it were to fail it could cost you big $$.
2007-03-01 13:03:46 · answer #4 · answered by mad_mav70 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and it sounds like someone has added stop leak to it once upon a time,this may be the nasty brown stuff your seeing,and this was probably done because it has a leaking radiator or a head gasket leaking a little on it in a water jacket on it,that would be why your having to add to it that often,you need to take it and have a pressure check done on it,this will help you to find out what it is without having to guess at it,or buy a bunch of unneeded parts for it,good luck,i hope this help,s.
2007-03-01 14:54:14 · answer #5 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The radiator and engine needs to be flushed and new fluids added, you could have other problems if the breakdown occurs again.
Good Luck,
2007-03-01 13:00:31 · answer #6 · answered by semi273hemi 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
seems like you have a leak in your radiator system before you start it check for leaks in time you were in park, and when your fluid is low it gets cold when it's full and it's flowing properly it'll be normal, but have your radiator cap checked could be lose and loosing it's vacuum pressure...
2007-03-01 15:11:18 · answer #7 · answered by MrOneDer 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
get the cooling system flushed,and it sounds like a head gasket is seeping.if you dont have the money to have it torn down,then get some bar-leak and put it in the radiator,when you add the new anti-freeze.
2007-03-01 13:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
it could be two things the heater core or the radiator and if your just adding watter thas not good you need to flush the cooling system and check hoses for leaks and replace your thermostat
2007-03-01 14:39:56 · answer #9 · answered by j_airgood 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is your oil foamy as well? It sounds like you have a blown head gasket, gotta love GM!
Best of Luck!
2007-03-01 13:19:41 · answer #10 · answered by Tweendasheetz 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋