Help! - Coolant light stays on, car stalls at stops, and coolant leaking

[tonsoffun20778]

I have a 1990 Chevy Lumina which is a 3.1L. The car was given to me by my Aunt about a year ago and the Coolant Light has always been on. My Aunt told me not to worry about it because she had the same problem and has had the car checked and there was nothing wrong. When I got the car, it passed inspection and vehicle admissions.

So I have this Coolant light always on and when I run my car a bit and reach a light or a stop, my car stalls. When I fill the coolant, it leaks. Today I just went about 5 miles to the store and back to my house and noticed steam/white smoke coming out of my hood. I opened up my hood an noticed coolant was spewing out of a valve on the left side. I'm not sure what exactly is wrong with it, but I cannot afford to get this fixed by a mechanic. Any explanation of what the problem could be would be appreciated. I will take it upon myself to learn how to repair it.

[maxwedge]

A "valve" on the l/s, how about a better description of what you are seeing, no?

[kevinb70]

water pump seep hole, bleeder screw, rad cap... a hint? dont exactly know that model year engine

what connects to this valve you speak of? hose? metal?


if your coolant sensor is like mine, its mounted on the side of the radiator below the rad cap. probably black with 2 wires. with very small hands it can be removed and contacts inside cleaned. mine has a metal clip which is hard to get back on.

[Bearwulf]

Does this valve sit on top of a black painted metal tube above the water pump alongside rocker-arm over?

[aarons mom]

I had to replace the gasket on the bypass valve on top of the water pump, lost coolant there.