Car Running Hot

1991 Cavalier 4 Cyc. 2.2L

A few days ago I noticed my temp. gage peak at 260, so I checked the Engine Coolant and it was bone dry. So I added some 50/50 Water/Antifreeze, filled it to the top. Didn't help at all, the temp was still hovering near the red and even going into it every now and then. Check the coolant level and it was at half! Only a day and a half after filling it. Today when driving home I stopped a few times to give it a chance to cool down, and when I was 30 seconds from home I heard some wierd noises and smoke started to come out of the vents for a few seconds. And ever since I added the Antifreeze there has been a funny smell in the car. I have a limited knowledge of cars, but can follow directions. What can I do to remedy the problem? Or should I take it to a mechanic?

sounds like either your water pump or heater core. or maybe a bad line. check all your hoses and see how soft they are and if they are cracked. check the ones going into the heater core and see if they are good. check to see if you water pump is leaking or get it tested, and then check your heater core.

Haven't had time to work on the car since I last drove it a week ago. Would a crack be large and easy to notice? or would it be small?

for the most part you probably will not be able to see it with the naked eye. cavalier's are known for blowing head gaskets though. check your oil for water and check your exhaust for water and that will give you a better clue

Agreed, I'd also be checking into a head gasket leak.

I may have found the problem (hopefully when I get it settled tomorrow). The little Drain Spout near tires was missing the plug for it. So the fluid would drain out as soon as it was put in. I never noticed before because the car was parked on grass.

I picked up the $3 piece at AutoZone, but even though it's the correct one it wasn't fitting tightly enough. So tomorrow I'm going to use an O-Ring Clamp (I'm guessing that's their name, it's those clamps you tighten around hoses that needs a flat-head screwdriver), to make it tight and the fluid won't leak out.