I'd be interested in the results of this test...

 

AutoZone has the test kit. Basically free - just a refundable deposit. See link to video in my post above.

 

My 08 SS was doing the same thing, Loosing coolant.
Been back and forth to the dealer a few times and now they tell me
they are replacing the whole engine! Wasnt economical to fix!
I guess they are going with the nuclear solution...
53K on the car...

 

Lately, I have been smelling coolant. So I checked the level under the "don't open hot" cap, it was low and reservoir empty. Never seen any spots under car, checked the carpet on both side, no smell or dampness. Don't see any damp spots under hood, made sure the "don't open hot" cap is on tight and the dot is in the correct place. No water coming out the exhaust. I have been adding about 10 ounces of coolant a week to the reservoir for a couple of weeks now (I do about 1K miles a week). Any ideas?

 

I had something similar to this on another vehicle. Not indicating it's the same but worth a look.

You may have a leak at a location where 2 machined parts fit together (mine was the water pump to block). When you accelerate or have the engine under strain, hill climbing for example, the parts separated SLIGHTLY and the engine heat "boiled" off the coolant, so it wasn't noticeable.

I had this car to the dealer about 5 times and was told the coolant lose, about 1 1/2 pints a week, is normal. I found it after noticing a temp. rise while going uphill just after filling the overflow tank.

 

I had the same problem with my '06. Took it to the dealer they tore it all apart, scratched their heads ...$1500 and a new head gasket later she was still slurping antifreeze like crazy. Dealership said "get a new engine" not sure what the problem really was.

 

I'm thinking in some cases people are dealing with porous engine block castings that are seeping coolant, hence the engine replacements. Aluminum blocks are better than they used to be, but they still have a higher reject rate than good 'Ol cast iron.

There really aren't too many places coolant can go, its either the ground, evaporation, or out the tailpipe.

 

Hmmmm....that makes sense. If Lovely vomits up her engine I will scoop it back up and shove it in there! Lol!!! Fingers crossed

 

If you have a gasket leak or a cacked cylinder wall you will be burning coolant.

The easyest way to check for this is to remove each spart plug and look at the white jackets. If any have a orange tint to them then your burning it.

Cheers!

 

I am sooooooo loving chevyhhr.net!!!7 thanks pretzel! Good tip! :)