Radiator Leaking and Loud noise coming from the engine.

1999 HOLDEN COMMODORE
270,000 MILES • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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RMNSE
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My car just recently started over heating and then started making this loud noise like it was coming from the engine. If I kept accelerating the noise got louder and then my car will just die out. I put this powder stuff in radiator and it solved the over heating problem but now the car is making the loud sound and jerking. Also dies out and only turns on when it is left off for a while.I can't even drive it to my mechanic without it dieing out. Engine light is on. I'm worried it will cost me a fortune to fix. So annoyed. Please help.
Apr 13, 2014 at 5:55 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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The Check Engine light is telling you the Engine Computer detected a problem and set a diagnostic fault code. Your mechanic will read that code to start the diagnosis process.

You never solve a problem by adding something to the cooling system. Those chemicals might plug a leak for a little while but you'd never want your mechanic to fix your car that way. The radiator should be repaired or replaced, then the cooling system should be flushed and refilled with new antifreeze. Over time acids build up in the coolant. Those acids will eat through radiators and heater cores. If that is what happened to the radiator, that's due to lack of maintenance and you'll continue to develop leaks. If you've kept up with maintenance, the leak could be due to a rock hitting the radiator. In that case they can usually be repaired.

Engine noises also indicate a serious problem. Continuing to try to drive it is only going to make it worse, so of course it's going to become an expensive repair. You can't expect the engine to fix itself and the noise magically stop.
Apr 14, 2014 at 10:27 AM
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