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Radiator problem

20 years ago

Hello, I hope someone here could give me some hints to solve my problem.

I have a Geo Metro 96, and three days ago I had the radiator coolant changed. Yesterday the engine overheated (The mark on the paneal reached the red area) when I was driving home. That never happened before, and when I checked at the radiator, there was no coolant, it was vaporized or something. I added some water, but when I got home it was vaporized too, not as much as the first time, though. I added some water again and there seems to be no leak. What could be the problem?

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Comments (5)

jasper_60103
20 years ago
ody2778,
since problem appears after a coolant change.
I suspect the radiator drain plug or the radiator cap is the problem.
Can you check both and ensure they are on tight?
You may have to run the engine a while until its hot to verify no leak exists.

-jasper
jasper_60103
20 years ago
Also, I wouldn't run the engine w/o coolant. Do a 50/50 mix and refill.
Else, I would just return to the shop and have them check it out.
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earthworm
20 years ago
I suspect that the shop used poorly trained personnel who did not bother to check for air pockets.
Sometimes it is better to remove the thermostat when refilling ( I have read)...I would NOT do this, but the refill process can take time...in this case, perhaps the thermostat should have been replaced as well (ten years old ?)
Was this work done at a dealer or one of those quickie places???
majorxlr8n
20 years ago
If you aren't seeing any steam from under the hood, or aren't finding any puddles under the car, I can't help think that your engine has a bad head gasket. To verify, watch the tailpipe for excess steam exiting, and check the oil dipstick - if the oil looks like vanilla milkshake, then coolant has gotten into the oil via a leaky head gasket.

Marty
ody2778
Original Author
20 years ago
Hey!, I took the car to the place where the coolant was changed. The problem turned out to be a leak on the reservoir tank (The plastic thing). They fixed it with glass fiber.
Thanks for your help you all!!!

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