1999 Chevy Cavalier wrong antifreeze fluid in my 99 Chevy c

Tiny
TAHMPAHL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Engine problem
1999 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 100000 miles

ok, so I'm stuck between a rock and a hard spot here. I put the wrong antifreeze in my 99 cavalier, and ran it for possibly months without any problems. Now, after replacing the water temp sender and the thermastat, I have figured out that I put the wrong fluid in, and I can't get 2 min. Up the road before it overheats on me. So I was planning on getting a flush, but the mechanic told me that I could have to replace my whole system, and it could cost about 2400.00! For me, my options are to fix it myself, or buy another car. I am opting for choice (a) considering I can not afford another car. So my question is, if a simple flush does not work, what parts do I need to buy? I know probably the radiator, and the water pump, but is there anything else to consider?

Thanks,

Tom
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 3:41 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
THE WRONG KIND OF COOLANT? WHAT KIND DID YOU USE?
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
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I'm not too sure other than I used the green antifreeze when I was supposed to use the red (dex)
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
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Run far away from the repair shop you went to. Mixing the coolant will not harm your cooling system at all. Go to another shop!
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
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WOW! Thank you so much for your honesty! Actually, when I told them I was going to do it myself if it cost that much money, they only charged me for a flush, which was still 100.00, and the top radiator hose had a bad leak, that I knew was real, and that was 80.00. But he really made me believe before that, that it could cost me over 2 grand! He had me freaking out! It is running good now, but it probably only needed the hose, which was realistically only like a 30.00 part. And I hear a new rattle in my engine :-( I am going to hunt for a new shop. Why is it so damn hard to find an honest mechanic? I don't have much money now, but I plan to give you a little something for your time and honesty as soon as I can. (So other people have this as a resource!) Thanks again!
Best regards,
Tom
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 6:55 PM

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