Coolant Pressure Problem

Tiny
WOLF2132
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET CAVALIER
95 Cavalier Z24 2.3L DOHC Quad 4 164,500 miles. I just replaced the crankshaft, main bearing, and rod bearings after having a spun rod bearing. A common problem with the quad 4 I have found. Everything is fine with that, but I'm having a coolant issue. The radiator cap on the resevor leaks bad. I've switched it out with one off another car but that one does the same. I know it's designed to relieve the pressure once it reaches 15 pounds. If I put a cap on it that is not a pressure cap everything is fine. Am I ok with that? What is causing the pressure build up? I can replace a crankshaft, but can't keep coolant in my car. HELP!
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Friday, April 27th, 2007 AT 8:57 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Most collant problems are from a thermastt or a clogged radiator, back flush the radiator and engine without the thermastat in, then replace the thermast with a new one.
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Sunday, April 29th, 2007 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
WOLF2132
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The thermostat and water pump are both new. The I tested the thermostat prior to installation as well because of it's horrible location on the backside of the engine. I'll try flushing the system. Any other possible causes? Possible the antifreeze mixture ratio?
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Sunday, April 29th, 2007 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
WOLF2132
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Also to note. When I put at cap on that is not a pressure cap, the cooling system seems to run perfectly. You can see the thermostat open and close on the temp gauge. When I first put the engine back together, I filled it with water, ran it a while, then drained it. After that I refilled with approx 75 to 25 ratio of antifreeze.
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Sunday, April 29th, 2007 AT 5:35 PM

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