1992 Chevy Cavalier Wierd coolant leak-help!

1992 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
89,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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VINTAGETRLRS
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My cavalier all of the sudden overheated a week ago. The car was full of fluid. I replaced the thermostat, but im not sure if its the way the old one was (old one fell out before i could check its position). It quit overheating. Now one week later, the car is losing fluid both as it runs and while it sits. The antifreeze seems to be coming from the airbox, and its soaking the air filter and running down the engine. I had the heater hose replaced and no luck. Any ideas what this could be? Could this be a result of an improperly positioned thermostat? if so, how do i know the proper position?
Feb 22, 2009 at 6:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
If it's not overheating, you have it right. As far as coolant coming from the air filter box, that doesn't make sense. Is there any coolant getting into the oil? Or is there oil getting into the coolant? Also, the head gaskets on these have a reputation of going bad in the right front corner. Check there because it could be blowing up on to the air filter box.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Feb 22, 2009 at 7:54 PM
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VINTAGETRLRS
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[quote:5da9acb139="Jacobandnickolas"]Hi:
If it's not overheating, you have it right. As far as coolant coming from the air filter box, that doesn't make sense. Is there any coolant getting into the oil? Or is there oil getting into the coolant? Also, the head gaskets on these have a reputation of going bad in the right front corner. Check there because it could be blowing up on to the air filter box.

Let me know what you find.

Joe[/quote:5da9acb139]

Oops forgot to add that: I checked the oil and its clean as can be. and there doesnt seem to be oil in the coolant that leaks out. That head gasket makes sense, because that corner of the engine is always soaked in antifreeze. I will have a closer look tomorrow...thanks for the quick response!
Feb 22, 2009 at 8:03 PM
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VINTAGETRLRS
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[quote:741c29efa2="Jacobandnickolas"]Hi:
If it's not overheating, you have it right. As far as coolant coming from the air filter box, that doesn't make sense. Is there any coolant getting into the oil? Or is there oil getting into the coolant? Also, the head gaskets on these have a reputation of going bad in the right front corner. Check there because it could be blowing up on to the air filter box.

Let me know what you find.

Joe[/quote:741c29efa2]

also forgot to ask: how can i be sure of the proper position of the thermostat? I cant seem to find a diagram anywhere online. thanks
Feb 22, 2009 at 8:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi:
The one side has more of a pointed end on it. It goes toward the engine.
Feb 23, 2009 at 9:42 AM
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