Overheating/Leaking

[dysfunk]

My car started overheating today while my girlfriend was on her way to work. Checked the fluid levels again, after just topping off the antifreeze last week. The fluid level was very low, so I have a leak somewhere. There's no visible signs of a leak, and I'm not seeing any oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. I'll check hoses to make sure they're tight and aren't split. Over the past few days I have smelt a faint scent of antifreeze when I've parked and gotten out of the car.

Today, the car took nearly a whole gallon of antifreeze. I also bought a thermostat and thermostat seal just in case. Top radiator hose was still hot when I checked.

Where and how much could I get a Leak Down test done? I don't really want to deal with trying to find the problem and spend too terribly much money, but if it has to be done, then it has to be done. I may also get a new radiator cap, I've heard of that causing issues..

Any insight would be nice. Thanks.

PS, I did use the search function. I'm legally blind and some of the threads i found were pretty long.

[dj_ender]

My car started overheating today while my girlfriend was on her way to work. Checked the fluid levels again, after just topping off the antifreeze last week. The fluid level was very low, so I have a leak somewhere. There's no visible signs of a leak, and I'm not seeing any oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. I'll check hoses to make sure they're tight and aren't split. Over the past few days I have smelt a faint scent of antifreeze when I've parked and gotten out of the car.

Today, the car took nearly a whole gallon of antifreeze. I also bought a thermostat and thermostat seal just in case. Top radiator hose was still hot when I checked.

Where and how much could I get a Leak Down test done? I don't really want to deal with trying to find the problem and spend too terribly much money, but if it has to be done, then it has to be done. I may also get a new radiator cap, I've heard of that causing issues..

Any insight would be nice. Thanks.

PS, I did use the search function. I'm legally blind and some of the threads i found were pretty long.

Go pull the 3rd and 4th cylinder plugs and see if they are rusty colored.

[Jswappedsedan]

If u have a harbor freight around u a leak tester is real cheap...just bought one for the shop...have u noticed any smoke lately

[dysfunk]

If u have a harbor freight around u a leak tester is real cheap...just bought one for the shop...have u noticed any smoke lately

That's the thing. The car doesn't smoke at all. not even in the least bit. Tonight when my girlfriend gets home from work I'm going to break down a cardboard box and put it under the engine area.. maybe that would help me trace the leak.

I just googled, and there's a harbor freight around!

I really need to get this done soon, it's our only transportation at the moment!

[dj_ender]

That's the thing. The car doesn't smoke at all. not even in the least bit. Tonight when my girlfriend gets home from work I'm going to break down a cardboard box and put it under the engine area.. maybe that would help me trace the leak.

I just googled, and there's a harbor freight around!

I really need to get this done soon, it's our only transportation at the moment!

Dude, what I suggested won't cost a penny. Why are you in a rush to go out and spend money?

[559cb7559]

have you try bleeding the system for air? also try checking your cap the cap purpose is to pressurized the system to increase the coolant boiling point if the cap is not working properly the coolant will have a boiling point of 227f if not mistaken and that would cause your over heating problem you could also do a quick check remove your cap then turn on your car if you have blown head gasket coolant will sputter from the radiator when you rev up the car
Good Luck

[dysfunk]

Dude, what I suggested won't cost a penny. Why are you in a rush to go out and spend money?

Okay so if it looks rusty in #3 and #4 what does that mean?

[dj_ender]

Okay so if it looks rusty in #3 and #4 what does that mean?

Means your burning coolant, could mean either bad head gasket or a bad intake manifold gasket and your leaking coolant thru the runners. Another place to look is the coolant line that connects to the head under the dizzy, it has a tendency to crack and leak fluid.

[408cb7]

you can also check your reservoir tank for any leaks, mine would leak then it would evaporate.

[dysfunk]

Okay thanks, guys. Gives me something to check in the morning.. As to I'm living in an apartment and no garage areas.. Also it's currently 46 degrees outside tonight.

Edit: Girlfriend just called and said that the oil light started flashing when she cranked up the car and put it in reverse...

[dj_ender]

Okay thanks, guys. Gives me something to check in the morning.. As to I'm living in an apartment and no garage areas.. Also it's currently 46 degrees outside tonight.

Edit: Girlfriend just called and said that the oil light started flashing when she cranked up the car and put it in reverse...

Sounds like you should check your oil level too.

[408cb7]

try to diagnose your car

heres a link that will help you.

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...k+engine+light

[dysfunk]

okay i'll have to look that over.. she got it back home and turned it off.. cranked it back up and the oil light isn't flashing anymore.. but, i've noticed that the gauge for the doors and brake lamp are always on.. doors are always shut good and the brake lamps are good... all lights work.

going to check to see if there's coolant in the oil again, now..

[dysfunk]

Dad just did an oil change last week, and filled the radiator, radiator was pretty much dry today and just checked the oil dipstick and it's bone dry..

[dj_ender]

Dad just did an oil change last week, and filled the radiator, radiator was pretty much dry today and just checked the oil dipstick and it's bone dry..

Did you look at the plugs? if your losing oil and coolant, and there's no sign of an oil leak, your burning it in the engine. And that sounds like a bad head gasket.