1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Logo
Anonymous Posted on Feb 24, 2013

1997 Cavalier Coolant System Promblem

I have had this car for just a few months, about three months ago, the radiator hose just popped off the car, got that back on, and refilled system. Then if just started over heating all the time. We replaced the thermostat, and just put a new water pump on it last week. Now, it never gets warm, the temp gage only gets to the first line above 100, unless you are stopped, then it will eventually heat up to a normal operating temp, but not over heating, then once you go, it cools right back down to just above 100. There is no heat, and it is loosing water, but I can't seem to find where, and it is not loosing it real fast. Usually every 30 miles we have to refill it. You can smell antifreeze, but it is not leaking inside the car. Any ideas? I have run out of things to check... Thank you

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Thomas Perkins

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  • Chevrolet Master 15,088 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 24, 2013
Thomas Perkins
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Joined: Feb 12, 2010
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Change the radiator.

Testimonial: "Thank you... A couple other people have told me to change the radiator also, I was just really hoping there was another solution.. But, I will try that, and hope it works! Thank you very much for your time"

Jonah Oneal

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  • Chevrolet Master 14,092 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 24, 2013
Jonah Oneal
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Need have radiator and engine block flushed.have engine tested for leaking head gasket.check engine oil looks milky coolant leaking down oil crankcase caused by leaking head gasket.

Testimonial: "Thank you, We are doing a flush tomorrow. I checked the oil, it looks normal, also no water out tail pipe either. I approicate your time in helping me find the problem :)"

  • sgtstrat May 23, 2014

    just a stupid thought, but make sure your thermostat is not in upside down.

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5 Related Answers

psds4

pat murray

  • 293 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 09, 2008

SOURCE: 1998 chev. cavalier cooling system

there should be a bleeder valve on the thermostat housing open bleeder until coolant comes out with no air and tighten top off coolant to mark on coolant jug

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Anonymous

  • 221 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 03, 2009

SOURCE: 1998 cavalier heats up when idleing. Fan comes on but still heats

Hello senior, whenever the coolant system is opened up there's a possibility you could get air in your system, only way to get it out is by using the bleeder valve, check the coolant temperature sensor it may not be working properly, it tell's the cooling fan when to kick on and off, the condition of the drive belt is also another factor, along with the tensioner and tensioner pulley. it sounds like a problem with the water pump, the cooling fan, or air in your cooling system, to get a good inspection of the water pump fin's you have to remove it.

steve_e_uk

steve morris

  • 1675 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 07, 2010

SOURCE: my radiator has no leaks(I have checked real good)

hi this could be a couple of things, have you checked the engine oil recently? if the head gasket has blown you will be getting water into the oil in the engine, the other thing it could be, is the heater matrix, this is the little "radiator" inside the car under the dash, this is the heater matrix, try lifting the carpet on either side floor well and seeing if is wet, alternatively just push the carpet down with the palm of your hand to feel if it is wet...this will be the two main things that you cannot really see if they are leaking hope this helps

Anonymous

  • 50 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 18, 2010

SOURCE: 2004 cheverolet impala 3.4L engine

Sounds like you have an air;lock in your cooling system.Try placing a bleeder on the return hose to the heater core ........looks like a small tap

Anonymous

  • 22 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 04, 2010

SOURCE: I have a 97 cavalier

the low coolant light is a sensor on the side of the radiator with a wire plug to it you can disconnect it and the light will go out and youll be back to having to check the coolant level,as for overheating, tack the thermostat back and replace with another one, it will open in boiling water but is it open all the way and at what temperature, can effect your cooling did it have red dexcool in it before, might need to flush out the cooling system,this coolant will clog everything up and go back to the green coolant I dont know whos brainstorm it was for dexcool.......that stuff is no good

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