Chevy cavalier 1997 2.2 coolant leak

Thankyou for the reply post. I found it was the water pump and just because it appears that the weap hole is at the top of the water pump it is in fact there is one at the bottom. But with further inspection and replaceing the water pump I was informed that I have a head gasket leak at the front of the engine. It is at this time small. And will require $$$$$$$$ ( $ 800.00 to $ 1300.00 est. ) to repair, I paid only $700.00 for the car and to this day have put in $1100.00 to it. But I love the car! But if can survive till the taxes come next year, I can do it. Baby it and don't drive it much, God willing it will be ok.

I'm placing the order of the places to check in the order of the most frequent problems. The water pump is on the side with the belts, thermostat and it's housing is located on the motor where the rubber radiator hose connects to it, heater hoses- two hoses around 3/4 inch one off the radiator, other off the motor into firewall, freeze/frost plugs-there are several of those on the motor all of them right above the oil pan on each side, then there are the head gaskets. These are inbetween the motor and the heads. To find these, look right under the exhaust manifold, if the coolant is coming from that area, on either side, it's the head gaskets.

IF THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING WILL STOP LEAK SOLVE THE PROBLEM AS A TEMP RESOLVE

I am having similar issues with my 1997 Cavalier. It is however running hot...especially when I turn on the a/c. It takes about half a gallon of coolant a day and I do drive it quite a bit (never run it hot though). Did your problem end up being radiator hose, water pump or head gasket? I am getting nervous. Like you, I bought the car for $900 and want to do whatever it takes to keep it up to par and not let anything go to far. Any advise and/or experience would be greatly appreciated!
Jesseca

Alright, the best way to find a leak is to fill the reservoir and get it up on ramps or a car lift would be excellent. Start the engine and find out where the leak is coming from. Most common leaks are simply just bad hoses or busted fittings. However, there could be a blown head gasket, hole in the radiator, or a bad seal on the thermostat housing.

I've even seen where a bad thermostat was causing high pressure in the water system and ended up blowing the excessive pressure and water out the overflow, even when the water was actually low. So, find the location of the leak. Use the method I told you and it will help you find the exact location. Then you can proceed on fixing the leak.

Hope this helps out! :)