Here is another coolant problem for everyone

[UOgarath]

I have a 1999 2.2L Cavalier RS. Last week my low coolant light came on and went back off. I checked the coolant level and it was very low. I had a gallon of dex-cool antifreze in my trunk so I pulled over and filled up the overflow resivoir to the arrow after the engine cooled down for about half an hour. Today the light came on and stayed on. I found this odd so I checked the coolant level again and the resivoir was nearly empty again. I had bought another gallon of coolant pre-mix so I waited for the engine to cool and filled to the line again. I made it home, I havn't checked the level yet waitng for it to cool. I checked everywhere that I have stoped there have been no puddles under the car. The air and heat work fine so I know it isn't the heater coil. My temp guage is at it's usual place (just under 195). I'm not ruling out the thermastat though but does anyone know what is wrong before I try replacing the thermastat?

[04_CaV!!]

did you check your oil? Is it milky? Could be a blown head gasket. If your handy. do a preasure check on the system or even a uv leak test. Preasure check will let you see any big leaks. the uv preasure check, checks using a black light and a die to find the small leaks even if it shows up in the oil

[masterjess]

To verify if you have a blown gasket, sometimes your exhaust comes out with black smoke.

[muff34]

Originally Posted by masterjess

To verify if you have a blown gasket, sometimes your exhaust comes out with black smoke.

Really? And here I thought black smoke was too much fuel as in running rich. Now white smoke on the other hand was a sign of other more serious problems, like maybe blown head gasket ,cracked head stuff like that................................LOL

[masterjess]

White smoke means bad piston ring.

[muff34]

Originally Posted by masterjess

White smoke means bad piston ring.

Darn Am I wrong again .I Thought bad rings would cause blue smoke from the oil the engine was burning ..........LOL

[UOgarath]

Thanks for everyones help I had foer gotten I posted this but just for an update, I did a pressure check and it was my water pump. Thanks for everyones help.

[04_CaV!!]

glad you got it fixed

[mwolvin]

Blue smoke = Burning oil
White smoke = either normal condensation or burning coolant
Black smoke = mixture too rich

If in doubt, smell it (but not too much)

[kirby747]

Originally Posted by mwolvin

Blue smoke = Burning oil
White smoke = either normal condensation or burning coolant
Black smoke = mixture too rich

If in doubt, smell it (but not too much)

white smoke actually not smoke but steam?