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View Full Version : Cavalier leak antifreeze only when it cold outside


sduvall
Jan 10, 2010, 09:47 AM
The antifereze only leaks out when its cold outside and It doesn't happen every time its cold just now and then . What causes this?

CaptainRich
Jan 11, 2010, 06:34 AM
Interestingly enough, I've seen this before.
For various reasons, some coolant leaks will only show when the vehicle is thoroughly heated up. Others only show up once the engine is stone cold.
Due to the use of so many different materials employed during manufacturer, there is no predicting what will leak nor when.
Intermittent conditions require whomever is inspecting to take into consideration that there may not be a leak, but surely there will be evidence: coolant stains, etc. You could help in this by trying to ascertain exactly where on or under the car you see coolant, if any.
What exactly are you seeing when you say it's leaking? Puddles? Reservoir level low?

sduvall
Jan 11, 2010, 07:09 AM
There is a puddle under the car. The reservoir is full and then when its cold there's a puddle and the reservoir is completely empty. It looks like the leak is coming somewhere from the passenger side of car just right of the tire. It only leaks when it wants to . It does not leak everyday that is is cold, It's a stuburnn little car.

Fr_Chuck
Jan 11, 2010, 08:53 AM
Is this with car running or car sitting not running, my truck had a leak in the heater hose, so only would leak when I used the heater

sduvall
Jan 11, 2010, 09:31 AM
This is when the car is just sitting. This is my daughters car, She arrived home at 5pm made sure the reervoir was full did not leave the house the rest of night. Woke up yeaterday morning and driveway was full of antifreeze.

RickMN
Jan 11, 2010, 03:29 PM
Read this

Water pump leaks on GM vehicles (http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/diagnostics/by-symptom/when-is-a-leak-not-really-a-leak-just-ask-gm-how-to-fix-a-non-leaking-water-pump)

RickMN
Jan 11, 2010, 03:31 PM
Oh wait, that's more than this article talks about. Sorry. Didn't see the last post

CaptainRich
Jan 12, 2010, 11:22 AM
This is when the car is just sitting. This is my daughters car, She arrived home at 5pm made sure the reervoir was full did not leave the house the rest of night. Woke up yeaterday morning and driveway was full of antifreeze.

It may be that the reservoir is cracked and leaking.
Checking this out locally seems the only thing to do and it shouldn't take long. (Where is the car?)
You may perform a close visual inspection yourself. Use a good light and just look closely. Check the hose that goes to the tank, too.