2014 1.8l Coolant leak.... AGAIN

[2014chevysedanLT]

Getting super frustrated with this one. The thermostat housing was cracked and had to be replaced about 6 months ago. I noticed about 3 or 4 months ago I burning coolant smell was entering the car. I thought maybe it was just the coolant burning off of the transmission since it had dripped down there. Only to find out after popping the hood that my coolant level was extremely low. I took my car to the dealership about 3 weeks ago and they did a pressure test and claimed there was no leak in that they couldn't smell it either. Even though I smelled it when I dropped off the car. The smell can be smelt from inside and outside the car. They filled the coolant reservoir back up and send me on my way. The coolant level is extremely low again. This time I'm marked with a Sharpie on my tank where it was about a week or two ago and you can definitely see the change. There is no signs of leaking near the thermostat or on a transmission. But after having my car idle a white puff of smoke can be seen after about 5 or 10 minutes behind the manifold I believe it is directly in front of the engine. Any suggestions as to what it could be?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Getting super frustrated with this one. The thermostat housing was cracked and had to be replaced about 6 months ago. I noticed about 3 or 4 months ago I burning coolant smell was entering the car. I thought maybe it was just the coolant burning off of the transmission since it had dripped down there. Only to find out after popping the hood that my coolant level was extremely low. I took my car to the dealership about 3 weeks ago and they did a pressure test and claimed there was no leak in that they couldn't smell it either. Even though I smelled it when I dropped off the car. The smell can be smelt from inside and outside the car. They filled the coolant reservoir back up and send me on my way. The coolant level is extremely low again. This time I'm marked with a Sharpie on my tank where it was about a week or two ago and you can definitely see the change. There is no signs of leaking near the thermostat or on a transmission. But after having my car idle a white puff of smoke can be seen after about 5 or 10 minutes behind the manifold I believe it is directly in front of the engine. Any suggestions as to what it could be?

I believe there are several coolant hoses running behind there. Keep letting them know it's losing coolant. Or try another dealership.

 

[JTee2017]

Getting super frustrated with this one. The thermostat housing was cracked and had to be replaced about 6 months ago. I noticed about 3 or 4 months ago I burning coolant smell was entering the car. I thought maybe it was just the coolant burning off of the transmission since it had dripped down there. Only to find out after popping the hood that my coolant level was extremely low. I took my car to the dealership about 3 weeks ago and they did a pressure test and claimed there was no leak in that they couldn't smell it either. Even though I smelled it when I dropped off the car. The smell can be smelt from inside and outside the car. They filled the coolant reservoir back up and send me on my way. The coolant level is extremely low again. This time I'm marked with a Sharpie on my tank where it was about a week or two ago and you can definitely see the change. There is no signs of leaking near the thermostat or on a transmission. But after having my car idle a white puff of smoke can be seen after about 5 or 10 minutes behind the manifold I believe it is directly in front of the engine. Any suggestions as to what it could be?

It may be a head gasket leak which is sometimes difficult to locate.

Keep us posted when you or a service shop finds out what it causing it.

If the car was used, maybe work was already done on it before you bought it? Was it bought new . . used? What is the repair history of the car?

 

[2014chevysedanLT]

It may be a head gasket leak which is sometimes difficult to locate.

Keep us posted when you or a service shop finds out what it causing it.

If the car was used, maybe work was already done on it before you bought it? Was it bought new . . used? What is the repair history of the car?

I bought it used at 3,000 miles. No previous work done on it. Since I've had the car I have been in one accident. I have had to have both catalytic converters replaced. The thermostat housing and thermostat, radiator hoses, and intake manifold have been replaced. If I'm not mistaken they had to replace the radiator as well.

 

[MaD]

Damm... that almost sounds like a lemon law car...

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[mja]

Coolant smell inside the car? With the windows up and no blower motor on? Any condensation around the footwell or behind the radio? Would rather replace a head gasket than a heater core on one of these :sadbanana:

 

[2014chevysedanLT]

Almost a year later and the problem has been solved. It was literally a $3 O-Ring causing coolant to leak and burn, thus causing the smell and dangerously low coolant levels. I can't remember exactly what the O-ring is called. Something oil pipe seal or something along those lines. I love my sonic, it was my first car, but I think my next will definitely be a honda. I've had way too many issues with not only the car, but having it serviced as well.

 

[JTee2017]

OK. . . good to hear. It would help future readers and owners more if we knew the location and part the O-ring was used in.

 

[2014chevysedanLT]

ill try to get the info and post in thread. dealer wasn't very specific and seemed annoyed that I was asking question. Crappy experience all around

 

[carnuba]

OK. . . good to hear. It would help future readers and owners more if we knew the location and part the O-ring was used in.

if it's the same thing as my 2013,
i think it was called the oil cooler pipe.
runs from under the thermostat housing
make a 90, extends about 8" behind
the exhaust manifold