1997 Chevy Cavalier Leaking Antifreeze

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!

3 Replies

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

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?