2000 Chevy Cavalier..Coolant Overflow

My 2000 Cavalier began losing coolant. I continue to add water to the coolant bottle but the gage that looks like low water continues to come on. The temp light does not go in the danger zone, but underneath the hood it starts smooking and it looks like the inside of the hood is starting to burn right above the plastic bottle. I have to add water constantly. I have only been adding water. Does anyone have any idea what the problem is?

is there steam coming out of the cap causing this "burning"?

Yes there is steam coming out of the cap.

so perhaps your cap isn't holding pressure anymore? get a new one.

Today my temperature gage starting going into the red zone; however, I have been putting only water in. Would just putting water in cause it to run hot?

Plain water really shouldn't make your car overheat.

Replace your cap and fill up the overflow while the engine is running so there won't be any air pockets. If it still steams out of the cap, make sure it's not just a crack in the tank. If it's truly coming out of the cap then you have too much pressure building in the cooling system. The most likely reason for this is that the head or head gasket is leaking exhaust into the cooling system.

If you have a large amount of bubbles coming out of the tank with the cap off while the engine is running or the water spews out like a gyser when you rev it up, you have a big problem. Have someone check it out asap - esp if you're overheating. You probably shouldn't drive it at all.

Take it to a good reputable shop, spend your hard earned money, fix the problem before you need an engine replacement. $500 now might save you $1000 later

Is your fan comming on?
Is your thermy opening?
Don't put just plain water in there. for too long

My 2000 Cavalier began losing coolant. I continue to add water to the coolant bottle but the gage that looks like low water continues to come on. The temp light does not go in the danger zone, but underneath the hood it starts smooking and it looks like the inside of the hood is starting to burn right above the plastic bottle. I have to add water constantly. I have only been adding water. Does anyone have any idea what the problem is?
Had the same problem with my 95 cav. Replaced head gasket, problem solved.

Had same problem with my 95 cav. Replaced head gasket, problem solved.