1997 Chevy Cavalier coolant leak

RAT1977

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

1997 Chevy Cavalier

Hi there,
I drive 1997 chev cavalier Z24 and i've been leaking coolant. My dad did a pressure test but could not find the leak. I saw the leak with my own eyes. It was above the oil pan. His friend said to change the coolant cap so we did I drove to the store and all the coolant came out and the coolant light came on and it made a funny rumbling noise. Now the tank is bone dry. What could be the problem? I have huge puddles of coolant on the driveway. How come my dad could not find the leak? Do you think it could be the thermastat? Any ideas. Thanks in advance

5 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

Water pump would be my guess because you said not its rumbling. Remove the drive belt and see if the water pump pulley is moving. What size engine is in it?

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 6:27 PM

RAT1977

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi there
it's a 4cy. I don't think it's that. The noise happened because I could hear the antifreeze boil over because my dad got me a new cap which was too big I think. Anymore ideas. Why couldn't my dad find the leak with the pressure test? Thx

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 9:53 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

I just dont think he was looking in the right place. Sometimes I use a mirror on a telescoping wand to see every aspect of what im looking at. Try that, the parts store sell them for a couple dollars.

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Saturday, October 25th, 2008 AT 5:07 AM

RAT1977

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3 POSTS

My dad found the leak in the lower rad. He clamped it. It took 4l of antifreeze to refill it but it's not at the full line. Can I add water to the antifreeze so it's at the full line or do I have to buy antifreeze? Thanks

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Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 AT 3:40 PM

MASTERTECHTIM