Good morning,
So, adding stuff like that is a big no, no. It will seal the leak and get you off the side of the road, but it gums up and clogs everything in the system. Even after replacing the thermostat and replacing the coolant there probably is still some in there possibly keeping the new thermostat open.
Getting that stuff completely out is going to be your first step. It has probably clogged the pump or the radiator and not allowing the coolant to flow properly.
You could try flushing the coolant yourself by doing what you have already done. Drain and replace the coolant. After you replace the coolant drain it and add more then run it and drain it. But this is going to cost you a lot of money in coolant and to be honest you will never get it all out of the radiator.
The best way in my opinion is to have it flushed by a professional so they can use a machine which will move the coolant back and forth. This will help get all of it out.
I would replace the thermostat housing that you said was cracked so it doesn't leak.
You are more than likely going to have to replace the water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator and possibly the heater core. You can probably rinse out the expansion tank and re-use it as well as the hoses. Hoses are cheap though so since you will be taking it all apart, I would just replace them with new clamps.
The shop is more than likely going to recommend replacing these things and it will be up to you if you want them to replace them. If you feel comfortable doing the work, I would just get it towed home and replace the parts myself. Get the quote from the dealer though so you have all the chevy part numbers. This will help you get the right parts the first time.
If you don't replace those parts and they have anything in them, it could clog the heater core again or something else and you will have to flush everything back out.
In my opinion this stuff shouldn't be on the market. My advice is never use any liquid fixes in a bottle for any part of your vehicle. It might get you off the side of the road, but it will cost you in the long run.
You might be able to clean the pump and reuse the new thermostat you put in but the radiator I would definitely replace. You may be able to salvage the heater core by flushing it but if you do all this work and there is something still in there it could plug the system right back up.
Here are some links to information to help you replace these parts:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement
So, in conclusion go get it flushed. I would personally go to the dealer and have it done. Tell them what you put in it and what you have done so far.
Then decide if you want them to replace those parts I mentioned earlier, if not do not drive it home, have it towed. Do not run it at all and then remove those parts and replace them. The coolant temperature sensor should not have to be replaced. I would just remove it and make sure it is clean. Then re-add fresh coolant.
Unfortunately, in my opinion this is the only way to make sure it is all out of your cooling system. If it were my vehicle, this is exactly what I would do.
Let me know how it goes and if you have any more questions just let me know.
Thank you,
Brendon
SPONSORED LINKS
Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 7:28 AM