Need Help To Troubleshoot Radiator Boiling

[Crosswind]

The engine of the Chevy heats up and the coolant level in the radiator reduces, even after driving for like 10kms. From what I understand, it could happen due to a leak or a block in the radiator itself, a problem with the radiator cap or a leak from a hose.

Could someone help me to isolate the exact problem?

What are the other possibilities that could cause this?

Pls note: I can't source a spare radiator cap. The car is a 2004 one so I don't expect the engine to be culprit.

Thanks in advance.

Edited January 6, 2012 by Crosswind

[MasterDon]

Check the radiator fan also.It may be totally dead or late to kick in.

[Crosswind]

Forgot to mention. Fan works ok. Already checked.

[k9master]

Already feel stupid asking this but when the engine is heated up do you hear any steam leaking?

[Crosswind]

Already feel stupid asking this but when the engine is heated up do you hear any steam leaking?

Yup. Quite a lot of steam.

[Sylvi]

The engine of the Chevy heats up and the coolant level in the radiator reduces, even after driving for like 10kms. From what I understand, it could happen due to a leak or a block in the radiator itself, a problem with the radiator cap or a leak from a hose.

Could someone help me to isolate the exact problem?

What are the other possibilities that could cause this?

Pls note: I can't source a spare radiator cap. The car is a 2004 one so I don't expect the engine to be culprit.

Thanks in advance.

'Crosswind',

Do you use coolant or any other water for the radiator.

There can be a radiator block.

Did you check up your radiator heather control thermostat.

Above are the things I can say about your problem to examine.

Do not use your vehicle get immediately a mechanic to inspect your problem, if not you will end up with so many other problems in the engine.

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[maheshw]

mmm just refill the radiator to top level. drive few km's. open your bonet & ask some one to accelerate ( in P status) & see whether there is any water leaks or steam (becarefull when doing this ) >> if so can it be due to a leak.

check the colour of the water.if its like brown may be block due to rust. ( remove all water & refill with clean water & re-check)

or take out the water line which connect to the plastic bottle from radiator. put it inside to a water full water bottle & check whther there coming any water bubbles. Oh may be a gasket problem.

just few things from my little knowledge !!!

[miniace]

Mate, you mentioned the coolant level is reducing. You could be having a 'Slow leak'.Below steps are if you are having a leak.

Few DIY to isolate the case.Run your car till engine comes to working temp. Park her at a dry location and Ideally a cemented /tarred place with plenty of light with the engine running.Try and spot any water droplets under the engine bay.Surely you will spot if you have external leaks.Focus areas of expansion tanks,thermostat, waterpump, upper and lower hoses, Aft cooler lines (If auto),drain plug and radiator (tubes).

Your radiator cap is a common type. Talk to a buddy owns any Japanese car and swap if the cap is similar to determine.

If the problem is still there check for any head gasket leaks.

Dont forget to monitor temp level during DIY process.

Good Luck mate!

MINIACE

Edited January 6, 2012 by miniace

[Crosswind]

@sylvi - thermostat is working fine. @maheshw/miniace - I didn't consider the possibility of a head gasket leak, because 1. the radiator coolant has no sign of oil or rust and 2.exhaust has no sign of smoke.

let me try the things u guys mentioned to see if I can locate the problem

[miniace]

. @maheshw/miniace - I didn't consider the possibility of a head gasket leak, because 1. the radiator coolant has no sign of oil or rust and 2.exhaust has no sign of smoke.

You can have a headgasket defect without oil or rust in radiator or expansion tanks or visible exhaust.

MINIACE