1994 Chevy Cavalier loses coolant and overheats

JNETPREVEY

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

I have a 1994 Chevy Cavalier with around 190,000 miles and a four cylinder engine. After I have been driving for a while, it will slowly start to overheat, then completely overheat (in the red). I will stop and check the radiator and it will be almost completely out of coolant. I've had it checked for leaks, but they haven't found any. It does leak out the overflow tube for the radiator when it is overheating- I think my thermosat may be broken. I'm a poor student, and don't want to take it in unless absolutely necessary. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If you're not leaking, then its being burn inside the combustion chamber for it to run low without a leak.

BTW do you see white smoke at the tail pipe?

Have it tested see below

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.