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sunfire losing antifreeze
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 14, 2012, 11:07 AM
Post #1 of 12
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sunfire losing antifreeze
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2000 pontiac sunfire 2.2 130000 miles
low fluid light started coming on, and it was losing fluid
then it started to overheat
replaced water pump and thermostat
temperature does not stay contant, goes up or down, not overheating since replacement of thermostat
have had it pressure tested, can not find out where fluid is going
oil is clean, nothing out the tailpipe, floorboards are dry
can hear fan coming on
steam from overflow does not smell like exhaust
mechanic ruled out head gasket
what is the problem?
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 14, 2012, 11:32 AM
Post #3 of 12
(7890 views)
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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he pressure tested it, held pressure
made sure nothing was coming out my exhaust
when overflow cap was off steam did not smell like exhaust
thank you for bearing with me, i am a woman and know nothing about cars
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 14, 2012, 11:36 AM
Post #4 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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Not quite sure how your mechanic is so sure it's not a head gasket? Odor may not smell of exhaust at the recovery tank but could be tested for combustion fumes. Any significant vapor in the cooling system will be erratic at first to a full overheat and can do this without seeing it leak. I'm not so pleased with seeing "steam at overflow" as you put it at all,
T
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 14, 2012, 11:38 AM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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You have two of us at once - the pressure check is low pressure. If combustion gasses can get into cooling system that's much higher pressure and if taking a little at a time may not be dramatic enough for classic real obvious gasket leaks,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 14, 2012, 11:43 AM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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You either need to use a chemical testing to determine if combustion gasses are getting into the coolant system or use an exhaust gas analyzer to pick up HCs in the coolant system. He must have a really sensitive nose if he can tell a blown gasket by smelling the coolant.
Sometimes pressure testing doesn't pick up on head gasket problems.
Did he pressure test the coolant system when the engine was cold?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 14, 2012, 11:48 AM
Post #7 of 12
(7868 views)
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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engine was running when he checked it and i believe the car was at temperture
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 14, 2012, 11:52 AM
Post #8 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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ty both
i am not exactly trusting my mechanic. my car is not going back to him.
going to try to get it in to someone else. i have been concerned about the head gasket all along, just hope it is not a cracked head.
will it hurt to drive my car for a couple of weeks with this problem? I don't go far, watch my gauges and keep water in it?
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 14, 2012, 11:55 AM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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failed to mention that the car runs great except for this problem.
if that is any help to you.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 14, 2012, 11:56 AM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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Probably both of us hitting again. I wouldn't drive it till verified or can stay stable which I doubt. Pressure checking for leaks really shouldn't be done with engine running and if that's all that was done it's inconclusive.
You lost coolant with no evidence found and may not be a head gasket but sure will be if you overheat this enough. AYOR to use it more or not,
T
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 15, 2012, 12:42 AM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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DS hit the nail on the head......The only time pressure testing with a hand pressure tester is any good is when the gasket is blown so bad that the pressure will drop but when it's get to the point you don't need to pressure test the system because by then.....it's pretty obvious of the internal failure.....
Chemical testing is a good way to catch early ones. Some shops will use a pressure transducer or FLS sensor, those are sensitive enough to catch early ones but not a lot of places are using these. But this, like any other method isn't 100% so other tests need to be run.....
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sherrie
Novice
Jun 15, 2012, 6:05 AM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: sunfire losing antifreeze
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Thank you all very much. You have been most helpful.
I have scheduled an appointment to take my car in for further testing.
Going to a different mechanic.
I will keep you folks posted.
Have a wonderful day!
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