2003 Other Holden Models Radiator and Cooling System

Tiny
SONY2CARPROS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HOLDEN
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • MANUAL
  • 84,000 MILES
My 2003 small car, Holden Cruze, overheated once. The radiator was replaced. Since then, I have a problem of decreasing water in the radiator and increasing coolant in the reservoir tank. 1) the radiator cap was too vacuum, and changed to another one. Still the same problem: every morning I add 80-100ml water to the radiator. 2) I suspected of air-pocket and turned on heater. The result: the radiator cap not as vacuum, but still have a problem of decreasing water in the radiator and increasing green liquid in the reservoir tank. 3) Went back to the mechanic. I was told that there is no faulty in the cooling system and blamed for checking too much (daily) and adding too much water. 4) After 4 days driving without checking it, today I found out that the same problem happens: increase coolant in the reservoir tank. I think there is no losing liquid because there is no obvious leakage. My question is: Why the radiator cannot take back the green liquid from the reservoir tank? What is a possible problem other than thermostat, waterpump, clogged hoses and head-gasket? Why my mechanic cannot diagnose the problem?
Monday, November 24th, 2008 AT 8:47 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
HI there,

do this test,

with the coolant cold check and mark the level on the surge rank, check the level hot and note higher level, let cool and re check to lower level, is it drawing the coolant in and out of the surge tank, if not you have a faulty radiator cap or a small leak in the cooling system.

Mark
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Monday, November 24th, 2008 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
SONY2CARPROS
  • MEMBER
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Hi Mark.
I did as you said. From one day usage (driving locally), I notice that there is about one centimetre drop of green liquid in the surge tank. So, the radiator still can draw coolant in and out. Is one centimetre normal? What happen if I don't check everyday the radiator water level? Is it safe to drive when you cannot see the water in the radiator's neck? Because, when this happened, my car engine's sound is different. Thanks.
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 AT 5:57 PM

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