Until the OP comes back and clears up the details, we could just guess all day long.
I've read his post several times and it's still not clear to me. Does "passenger side" mean that side of the engine compartment or that side of the inside of the car ?
I'll just wait for a better description from the OP........if he posts back up.

 

I am having the same issue. I seem to be loosing water. I drive ~50 miles each way to work. I lose anywhere between 16-32 ounces. So I have to top off every 50 miles or so or else it over heats.

It originally started when one of the tanks on the radiator cracked. I replaced the radiator. Then the upper and lower hoses. Then the thermostat. Then the radiator cap. Each time it continues to lose water. Added some Barrs stop leak thinking maybe it was a leaky freeze plug but that has not helped. I have burped it according to OB's instructions (Thank you OB!). When it begins to run hot I can smell the coolant.

Any ideas? I'm not thrilled about doing the water pump...

2008 HHR LS
216K miles
2.2 Ecotech

Also what is the butyl patch issue I have seen mentioned?

Thanks!

 

Your 2008 would not have the patch , that was the 06 some early 07’s problem.
loosing coolant at that rate, any coolant puddles under the car in your parking space ?
you could have a leak at the water pump or it could be a head gasket going south

 

Is the engine oil clean & not milky ?

 

Hmmm... If you're smelling the coolant, I'm inclined to think that it's more likely an external leak. Although you may be smelling it burning out the tailpipe, which would indeed indicate a probable bad head gasket.

 

Head gaskets can leak externally , depending on the attention to details of the guy who assembled it.

 

No visible leaking. No puddles. No milky oil.

Oil is clean and not milky.

 

Great it is not getting in the oil..

Perhaps your local auto parts store has a pressure tester on their tool loaner program..

This would hook on in place of rad cap & pump up to say 15 psi & then look for leaks..

 

Use the dye and light if they loan those out also.

 

Good idea..