97' Metro Lsi leaking coolant

[payntball28]

I have a 1997 Geo metro Lsi with a 3cyl engine. Lately i have been noticing that the coolant is either leaking or being forced out of the system. The engine was rebuilt about a year ago and bored .020 over and all gaskets were replaced. After the rebuild untill now no problems have arisen.

When i start the engine with the radiator cap off bubbles and steam escape through the filler neck, and i have noted that the number one and three spark plugs are completely clean and cylinder number two's plug has the normal brownish tan coating. I suspect the head gasket is at fault or maybe there is a defect in one of the cylinder walls.

The car is driven responsibly and usually only experiences highway type driving. Any suggestions are welcome, thanks!

[Metro Mighty Mouse]

Head gasket, you are pushing compression into the coolant passage. Under heavy load you will probably have a power loss and cloud of smoke behind the vehicle.

[payntball28]

I havn't noticed the white smoke and smell that follows burn coolant, but that cud be what is happening. I notice it most when the engine is cold and under light load.

[doug2060]

I would agree with the head gasket. Hope it's not a cracked head. Check it out, it could get worse.

[Metro Mighty Mouse]

Right now very little coolant is entering the combustion chamber. Mostly you are pushing compression gases into the coolant passages. You probably have a grey, clumpy, wax like material in your coolant reservoir. Under heavy load you may open the failure enough for a larger amount of coolant to enter the combustion chamber and then you will have a power loss and lots of smoke.

[payntball28]

You raise a very valid point sir, and i suspect that i will have to break down and remove the head to inspect/replace the gasket and check for warpage and cracks if symptoms persist.

I will have to inspect the cooling system further see if there's any unwanted deposits and i will let you know as soon as possible.

Thanks for all your help!

[Metro Mighty Mouse]

I drove for months with the same symptoms trying to decide what the issue was. Couldn't figure out what the stuff in the reservoir was and where my coolant was going. Finally observed the coolant being forced out of the bottle and started having smoke bomb moments that cemented the diagnosis.