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2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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Xyos212
New User
Jan 19, 2015, 7:02 AM
Post #1 of 7
(2206 views)
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2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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2000
Chevrolet
Cavalier
120,000 miles
I recently had my car fully serviced for general maintenance, checked all fluids, etc at a shop. About a week after that I was driving and lost heat, then engine overheated. Turns out I ran out of coolant (it was flushed/filled prior to this).
Brought the car to the shop, they had it for 3 days, and just did a coolant flush, said they couldn't identify the issue but thought it was fixed. Get the car back, use it for one day. Next morning I look under the car (underneath engine towards front of car) and see ALL the coolant has leaked out (it was green, easy to spot, and smelled sweet like coolant).
I take it back to the shop again, they say two radiator hoses need to be replaced. Use the car a few days more, but am paranoid now. Leave a bucket under engine and see that it is STILL leaking (although very slowly this time, from around the center of my engine, a bit towards the front of the car).
Driving to work today and "low coolant" light is turning on and off intermittently. Engine temperature seems a tad hotter than normal (around 200 normal, was around 225). For both visits/renting a car to get to work this has cost me around 700 dollars so far :(
I am going to try to find a more reputable mechanic in my area. Can you guys help me in any way? Maybe give me some insight to tell the mechanic working on my car? Is Goodyear good for car repair? I would GREATLY appreciate any help, as I am pulling my hair out over this.
(This post was edited by Xyos212 on Jan 19, 2015, 7:03 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2015, 8:31 AM
Post #2 of 7
(2190 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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I would stay away from all of the chain store locations. Find a reputable Independent by other people's word of mouth.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2015, 8:47 AM
Post #3 of 7
(2184 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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Pay attention to this no matter what. I don't car for the format of the "chain places" either. You may or may not get the same tech with a comeback.
If nothing known locally thru friends try a motor club for those on their list? Independents are about always the best bet as they would have everything to lose with a bad reputation.
Gotta take care of this somehow and soon. Leaking that fast CAN'T be hard to find and could cause a lot of damage if not tended to,
T
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Xyos212
New User
Jan 19, 2015, 9:18 AM
Post #4 of 7
(2177 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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Thank you for the help! It seems like almost all my coolant is gone again! :( Do you guys think I should try to get my money back from this place? I found a good local place I am going to try.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2015, 9:34 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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Hate to say it but pay with a credit card so you have leverage. Looked back to top post. What the heck took 3 days to do a coolant flush + change and all go wrong? Did you also say you rented a car in that time? Arrrrrrr!
When totally in the dark dealers are usually good, more money but might have nice perks like a loaner car (free even) or rides to home or work etc.
Fighting is always a lose, lose situation over who is responsible for what if a mistake of some sort. Try to not overheat this car as damage is about certain from just that if you do. You aren't expected to know if you pay for stuff but this might be quite difficult to fill properly and know it's full.
Here I'm totally happy to plug AAA motor club. Without looking 1-800-AAA-HELP -- join up if in your area. Discounts on all sorts of other things pay for the membership really and they do have a plan with 100 mile included towing to any dang place you wish once per same issue. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE THEIR OWN AFFILIATED PLACES!
Again, friends, co-workers, neighbors who are happy with a place. Don't look for bargain but rather quality which is always better in the long run IMO.
This is serious with your car. By the time you lose heat it's way too low or overheating risking engine problems you may not have had before this,
T
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Xyos212
New User
Jan 19, 2015, 10:41 AM
Post #6 of 7
(2164 views)
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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I do actually have AAA. I just called the repair place, they are taking my car in for free and fixing it and refunding my last repair. I am staying there this time until its fixed. I will not use this place again after this is done.
AAA came in very handy for me during this whole thing, got the 100 mile a year package.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2015, 11:13 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chevy Cav. Serious coolant leak
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Hope it's all good new and done with this time AND no damage found,
T
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