This car will not stop running hot!

SHAYDEN

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU

So I am just about done with this car.
I have changed the water pump, thermostat, fans, and the tubing. I have placed more anti-freeze in this machine than gas. This car will not stop running hot! The strange this that it is not constantly leaking ati-freeze and the problem seems to have gotten worse since I have had these problems fixed. I have taken it to a Midas, a mechanic and to a guy on the street and of all the problems they have seen, not one of them has said that I have a bum radiator.

There is no mis firing or white smoke. My intake manifold was changed fall of 09 and I dont see anit-freeze pooling there like I used to. However I am "leaking" antifreeze from somewhere because the reservoir never stays full. Can someone please give me a straight answer or at least some direction before I completely scrap this car?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

As simple it might sound, but have you changed the radiator cap?
A faulty radiator cap will let coolant escape the system, typically it will drain to the ground. It will only happen when you are driving at the operating temperature. As the pressure inside the cooling system increases with temperature, if the radiator cap is faulty and does not have the required pressure rating, it will let out coolant.
There is an old service bulletin that addresses leaking coolant out of the radiator cap.

You can do a pressure test on the coolant system and see where the leak is coming from.

You will find this video helpful:

https://youtu.be/W8kra65m15c
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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