Filling cooling system. How to properly fill the system? Is it draining into the engine?

2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

109,681 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

TWANNME

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the cooling fan is out in my sisters car. she needs a new thermostat and gasket however we continually pour water into the engine coolant and it drains out but not outside the car, it drains into a line somewhere not exactly sure what to do. the car makes a gurgling noise like the car is drinking the water and no sooner we put the water in the car then the coolant pans empty. i don't want her car to overheat or blowup on her. this morning she went less than a mile from the house and shut the car off for no more than 2 minutes and the car wouldn't start even after she received a jump. can u help us with this problem?

Oct 12, 2010 at 9:09 AM

SQM

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

So the cooling fan is inoperative?
Are just adding water to the system?
If you can allow the car to cool down then add coolant, then start it when the reservoir becomes full. When you start it the coolant will cycle thru the system and you probably have to add more.

You might find this article helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

I have also attached the cooling fan diagram and replacement procedure.

Let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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Jul 16, 2021 at 12:35 PM

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