2001 Monte Carlo ss engine questions?

Question

Ok I have a 2001 Monte Carlo ss. I first start suspecting problems last November, my anti freeze would disappear from the tube VERY fast but it didn't leak out so idk where it was going but it was still some in the cap when they took it off and it would be hot and bubbly but my car never over heated or began to smoke or anything, the guy told me it might be my thermostat but my heat gets really got so it can't be the thermostat. I've also heard something about a hose or something. Now fast forward to now, anti freeze still leaves my car fast but this time I've seen it leak out and then it'll be times where I put it in but it didn't leak so idk what that's about it's weird. Also white smoke is now coming out from my hood when I drive it, a few people said it could be the head gasket but I put some anti freeze in there yesterday and it still started smoking in white color while the anti freeze was in there so I don't think it's the gasket, maybe it's the radiator or water pump? Or etc?

Answer 1

A simple cooling system pressure test will reveal that your vehicle has any external or internal coolant leak.



Like in this video: How to pressure test the cooling system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p-G3UDi-A



The radiator cap, the water pump, the radiator, the coolant hoses, the intake gaskets, the head gaskets etc. Anything can leak and the car will loose coolant and overheat.



Heavy condensed and smelly white smoke from the tail pipe indicate coolant is burning inside of the combustion chambers. Need to check into the matter quick. The head gaskets or the intake gaskets are failing. HTH

Answer 2

If you have the 3.1 or 3.4 engine, these are classic symptoms of a leaking intake manifold gasket. Almost a 100% failure rate on these gaskets. People blame the DexCool, but that's not the cause. It's faulty design. Coolant can leak into the crankcase, into the cylinders, or out of the engine. Read these two posts on GM gasket problems.



http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/gm-3-1-liter-3-4-liter-engine-problems/



http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/coolants-and-dexcool-should-you-use-it/

Answer 3

An inexpensive *cooling system pressure test will show if you have an external or internal cooling system leak. Rest assured the new LS small block engines are not noted for having internal leaks.