Engine shut off while driving, will not restart, coolant surge tank empty

ESSIE SMALL

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

My husband was driving our car when it stopped on him. He managed to get it to me and we couldn't get it started. The surge tank had no water or coolant in it. So we poured water in it until it was full. I need to know if the head gasket could be blown and if so, how do I find the radiator cap to put stop leak in it.

5 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

In the diagrams down below I have included a description of exactly how your vehicle's cooling system works, as well as an exploded diagram of it and precautions for removing the radiator pressure cap. I have also included a link for you to go to below for testing your head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

If your head gasket is blown, and it is from overheating, I would recommend not going with the head gasket sealer. I say this because what usually happens when a vehicle's engine get's overheated is that the aluminum cylinder head warps, and it is this warping of the cylinder head that causes the head gasket to fail. The best solution would be to take the cylinder head(s) off, replace the head gasket(s) and have the cylinder head(s) resurfaced at a machine shop and then reinstalled. We can help with step by step directions for doing this. But if you are still wanting to try the head gasket sealer, I recommend getting Blue Devil and following the directions to a "T". Either way, please keep us informed as to what you decide to do and how things turn out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 1:28 AM

ESSIE SMALL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I checked the oil cap and there was no goo on it, but all the water that I put in it last night is gone out of the surge tank. Can the sealer be put in through the surge tank since there is no radiator cap?

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 6:50 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon,

No. That stuff never works. That will clog up the radiator and the heater core and do nothing for the leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

You need to pressure test the system and look for a leak before thinking about head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Roy

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)

ESSIE SMALL

MEMBER
3 POSTS
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

So, as for my previous questions about a blown head gasket. I don't know think that's the issue. I poured water into the tank because of no radiator cap. All the water ran out where the water pump is and I mean all. Do I need to replace it or can I use a sealant?

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Hello again,

No need to start a new question, just continue with the original post.

Again, no to the sealer as it will not work and will create more problems.

You need to replace the water pump.

Roy

Water Pump Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Drain the cooling system.

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2. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts.
3. Remove the drive belt.

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4. Remove the water pump pulley bolts and pulley.
5. Remove the water pump bolts, pump and gasket.
6. Clean the water pump mating surfaces.

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