1997 Chevy Cavalier Leaking Antifreeze

Tiny
HOT_ROD_24
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
Hi, I have a 95 pontiac sunfire which I blew the engine on, so I bought a 97 cavalier engine off a "friend" and he put it in my car for me, problem was he decided not to finish the job and leave a few minor things to be fixed. My problem is it overheats within about 10-20 minutes and it will leak antifreeze under the body of the car right around the transmission pan and oil pan. I keep filling it up with 50/50 mixture and it doesnt seem to keep a constant temperature. I tried replacing the thermostat but all my fluid just started pouring out so I didnt continue. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated I need my car for work and dont want a simple problem like this holding me back. I am mechanically inclined and would be able to do the repairs my self if I knew what was wrong.

Thanks!
Sunday, September 27th, 2009 AT 1:02 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
First check all the hose connections, make sure they are tight.

If leak continues, have cooling system pressure tested to isolate leak.
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Monday, September 28th, 2009 AT 7:39 AM
Tiny
HOT_ROD_24
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for reply, I tried that and everything was all tight and secure but how do I check the pressure test? It is also starting to have a thin white could of smoke pour out the exahuast it did it b4 when I first fired it up and maybe the gaskets shrunk and it was fine for a bit now its starting up again, im gonna do a diagnostic test to should I post the error codes?
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 12:14 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
White smoke out the exhaust is never a good sign. It indicates a bad head/intake gasket.

Perform a compression test to rule out/in the head gasket.

Coolant will destroy an O2 sensor very quickly.

Post codes when you get them.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 9:12 AM

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