attrapereves
New member
Does my coolant look low? This is after running the car for 10 minutes, then letting it sit for 10 minutes. My other sonic is right at the seam after running for 15 minutes and sitting for 10 minutes.
Coolant level
- Thread starter attrapereves
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$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
attrapereves
New member
Heater works great. No gurgling. I'll check it tomorrow morning after sitting overnight and report back.
vento
New member
What is that gurgling noise? Ive noticed that before, sounds like of like running water at idle. I always thought it was water trapped somewhere that had yet to drain out.
Ive only had to top off my coolant once, it had dropped below the full line. Even now its about a finger below "full"
Ive only had to top off my coolant once, it had dropped below the full line. Even now its about a finger below "full"
ahtoxa
New member
OP, has your level been higher in the past? If so, you have a leak. The tank is pressurized on the Sonic, so evap isn't possible and because it's pressurized, the level fluctuates little to none.
It is possible that you're along with many of us, who have a slow leak. Usually it's the waterpump (many had had it replaced), but sometimes it's a small, slow leak that cannot be found readily.
It is possible that you're along with many of us, who have a slow leak. Usually it's the waterpump (many had had it replaced), but sometimes it's a small, slow leak that cannot be found readily.
ChrisJ
Active member
If it was mine I would add quite a bit.
I try to keep mine about 1/8" above the seam in the tank when the engine is COLD and I don't hesitate to have it 1/4"+ above.
The worst that will happen is it will blow some out on the ground if it gets too full when hot.
Dexcool + air in a system is BAD and I believe, is what caused all of the sludge problems early on in the 1990s. Incorrect gasket designs caused leaks and leaks caused air. I've always kept my Dexcool cooling systems overfilled and have never had a complaint since the 90s.
Add enough premixed fresh dexcool to bring it up about as far above the seam as it is below it right now, about a 1/2 inch or so? Then put the cap on and after you drive it and let it cool check it again. Expect it to drop some but it should end up around or slightly above the seam. If it ends up lower, add more and repeat.
While I believe ahtoxa is correct, he is only partially correct. I do believe the system breaths some air in and out of the expansion tank which would also mean some moisture leaves with it. How much I don't know, but it's not much. I wouldn't expect to lose that much even after 150,000 miles.
I try to keep mine about 1/8" above the seam in the tank when the engine is COLD and I don't hesitate to have it 1/4"+ above.
The worst that will happen is it will blow some out on the ground if it gets too full when hot.
Dexcool + air in a system is BAD and I believe, is what caused all of the sludge problems early on in the 1990s. Incorrect gasket designs caused leaks and leaks caused air. I've always kept my Dexcool cooling systems overfilled and have never had a complaint since the 90s.
Add enough premixed fresh dexcool to bring it up about as far above the seam as it is below it right now, about a 1/2 inch or so? Then put the cap on and after you drive it and let it cool check it again. Expect it to drop some but it should end up around or slightly above the seam. If it ends up lower, add more and repeat.
While I believe ahtoxa is correct, he is only partially correct. I do believe the system breaths some air in and out of the expansion tank which would also mean some moisture leaves with it. How much I don't know, but it's not much. I wouldn't expect to lose that much even after 150,000 miles.
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attrapereves
New member
After sitting overnight, the coolant is still low. I'm going to swing by the dealer to have them top it off. I will monitor it weekly to see if the level drops. If it does, I know there is a leak somewhere. Guess we'll see...
Black Turbo LTZ
New member
Mine from purchase was at the level yours is at and I never gave it any thought until I saw my buddies then I had it topped to the line...when I installed my temp gauge fitting I had to re-fill and burp the system and topped it off to just above the line and it stays in between those spots. If the level stays there and never decreases(no leaks or anything) then you had the same situation as mine, a lil under filled at the factory is all.
Sonicnw
New member
there is another thread on low coolant on here. just had my waterpump replaced. look on drivers side of engine, front of engine, down low below the pump but on top of the belly pan. your lookin from the top down with a light, see if you see coolant sitting on top of your belly pan. I did, showed dealer and got a new pump.
NOTE: dealer stated I may be back for another waterpump. no guarantees this one will last. GM is working on a redesign for the waterpump. To way of thinking this is a known issue at gm and should be covered by warrantys and after warranty till they have come up with a new pump and gasket, though most of you do have a 100,000 mile warranty on your cars and this is happening to most at around 12,000 to 20,000 miles from what I have seen. I just turned 18000 miles when mine went bad. good luck
NOTE: dealer stated I may be back for another waterpump. no guarantees this one will last. GM is working on a redesign for the waterpump. To way of thinking this is a known issue at gm and should be covered by warrantys and after warranty till they have come up with a new pump and gasket, though most of you do have a 100,000 mile warranty on your cars and this is happening to most at around 12,000 to 20,000 miles from what I have seen. I just turned 18000 miles when mine went bad. good luck
davecerv
New member
Alrighty, thanks ahtoxa!
davecerv
New member
Hmmm I haven't used the heater in a whole but it worked fine when it was still cold over here. A burning ish smell would come out from the windshield vents but I'm sure that has nothing to do with the coolant...
So I HAVE to top it off?
