98 Sunfire GT... is there a rad cap?

[vanbc]

had the water pump replaced last year... starting to lose coolant again (big time)
is there a rad cap somewhere? I want to try a bottle of those radiator stop leak pellets before i take it to a garage. Where do i put the pellets if possible? Trading the sucker in next month but want to at least get this fixed so we can take a 13hour drive up north. Thanks in advance.

[2.2literHERO]

the cap should be right on the top to the side, i can't remember which one, but DON'T put that crap in your radiator, they screw you harder, just suck it up and replace the radiator, you'll be better off than replacing the rad And the water pump and your lines when that crap gunks up your system. Best of luck

[vanbc]

Originally Posted by 2.2literHERO

the cap should be right on the top to the side, i can't remember which one, but DON'T put that crap in your radiator, they screw you harder, just suck it up and replace the radiator, you'll be better off than replacing the rad And the water pump and your lines when that crap gunks up your system. Best of luck

Thanks. Do you know where the thermostat is? On the rad cap or is it hidden? I'll start by replacing that if it is easily replaced.

[whitenbluesX]

does your car take too long to warm up? or overheat? cuz that's ur thermostat.. run the car at idle- feel the upper radiator hose- if it's warm, your thermostat is fine. with that motor i'd be more worried about leaky head gaskets than a thermostat. did u check all the hoses running to the radiator? make sure the clamps are all tight?
ha- have u even gotten under the car to look and see if there's any coolant leaking from anywhere?- that will tell u what's going on. change your oil- if it's creamy looking (whiteish.. murky..) then ur leaking coolant internally..

ive been inside and out of that forsaken 2.4 motor.. PM me or email if u want some specific advice before taking it to a shop and getting ass raped..

~Sarah

[vanbc]

Originally Posted by whitenbluesX

ive been inside and out of that forsaken 2.4 motor.. PM me or email if u want some specific advice before taking it to a shop and getting ass raped..

~Sarah

I bit the bullet and brought it to a garage. Some gasket on a sensor was shot. That is where the leak was Then they called to say the housing was cracked too. 40 in parts and 190 for labor. Thanks for all the replies. Can't wait until she trades it in for a Mazda Protege.

[vanbc]

Originally Posted by vanbc

I bit the bullet and brought it to a garage. Some gasket on a sensor was shot. That is where the leak was Then they called to say the housing was cracked too. 40 in parts and 190 for labor. Thanks for all the replies. Can't wait until she trades it in for a Mazda Protege.

Well if that wasn't enough... the thermostat needed to be replaced too!
About 900Kms into our trip she started to heat real bad.
Is it really a 2hour job to access the thermostat? Mechanic said something about removing the transmission brackets.
Thanks.

[hotbug1776]

dude, you can do it in about 1/2 hour if you got a jack and stands, get under the motor towards the firewall, towards the passenger side (by the pulleys) of the motor. you'll see the radiator hose coming up into the water pump, remove that metal radiator hose (bolt into the oil pan and 2 on the water pump) pull the pipe/hose down and the thermostat is right inside the hose/pipe. it uses a rubber gasket, so no sealant is needed. this is the wat it is on the 2.3L, but shouldn't be any different on the 2.4L.

[lillou1973]

well just to let you know you can change the thermostat from ontop of the motor...just take the heat shield off for your exhaust and reach down there and change. but make sure you do it while the car is cool. not really bad to get to bolts out...and get you an extention for your ratchet so you wont have to get on your back to get the job done....good luck

[hotbug1776]

Originally Posted by lillou1973

well just to let you know you can change the thermostat from ontop of the motor...just take the heat shield off for your exhaust and reach down there and change. but make sure you do it while the car is cool. not really bad to get to bolts out...and get you an extention for your ratchet so you wont have to get on your back to get the job done....good luck

I'm a big boy, so going under is a better fit for me (LOL) I can't hardly get my hand in there to reach the O2 sensor (HAHA)

Besides, it's nice to lay under the car and take a nap every once in a while.