2012 Issues - Advice?

[RogerRadcliffe]

Hello,

I have a few concerns with my 2012 Chevy Sonic, just purchased October 2018 w/ little under 60k:

Currently fixed:
1. Brand new Radiator, Hose, Coolant Reservoir--Chocolate Milk look when purchased (Quoted $1100 and told them to contact me prior to additional work-- Ended at $1600 total)
2. Brake Fluid changed, didn't bleed completely but was black in the reservoir


Engine Problems:
1. Engine seems to run VERY hot
2. Condenser Coolant Fan only runs when A/C is on in the vehicle (Should I check these first? Youtube)
3. Timing belt is about 1/2 width of what it should be, easy replacement?
4. Transmission when shifting in drive changes gears late (3k RPM)
5. From vehicle inspection after purchasing the car: Tire rot and front brakes need changed. Aformentioned Radiator problem.

Interior Problems:
1. Power window for drivers control to both rear windows inoperable
2. Visors have "fallen off", leaving just the plasting swivel piece and clip on the side for both. I have the physical visors, but the fabric where they attach to the vehicle is stretched. Is there an easy fix?

I can post any pictures, if needed. If any additional information is needed, please let me know!

 

[Mike DZ]

Coolant Reservoir--Chocolate Milk look when purchased

Milky looking coolant may be coolant and oil mixed ... which may be a blown head gasket, which may be why it seems to be running hot ...

Has the milky substance returned?

The coolant can be tested for the presence of exhaust gas by a mechanic or you can buy a tester on Amazon.

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

MHas the milky substance returned?

The radiator, hoses and reservoir were completely replaced due to leaking and the discoloration.

The radiator has been ruled out as a possible problem as I have had no further errors.

I can post pictures, if needed.

 

[skurtov]

I'm gonna second that headgasket. Compression test time baby.

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

I'm gonna second that headgasket. Compression test time baby.

Any way to confirm if it's the head gasket?

If I remember correctly it's to do with the oil, correct?

I also believe that it has had work done on the gasket prior. I can try and screenshot the information, if needed.

If you could help me with those two issues, I'd greatly appreciate because it's of dire time constraint now with that big of a possible issue...

 

[skurtov]

Any way to confirm if it's the head gasket?

If I remember correctly it's to do with the oil, correct?

I also believe that it has had work done on the gasket prior. I can try and screenshot the information, if needed.

If you could help me with those two issues, I'd greatly appreciate because it's of dire time constraint now with that big of a possible issue...

Compression test

 

[Mike DZ]

The head gasket is between the head and the block of your engine. I can't see it from the outside. When the gasket fails it allows oil into the coolant and vice a versa. The coolant in the oil boils off. The oil in the coolant mixes and turns milky. A blown head gasket also leaks combustion gases into the cooling jacket.

So you can detect a leaking head gasket by detecting the remains of combustion gases in the coolant or in more severe cases, by checking the compression of the cylinders.

Think your best bet would be to find a local independent mechanic and ask him to diagnose what is going on. You would likely have to pay a diagnostic fee ...

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

Compression test

I see the way to proceed with a test: https://m.wikihow.com/Do-a-Compression-Test

I have an Antifreeze test kit, would this give me accurate results?

Also if I wanted to just proceed with sealing any problems would "Head Gasket Fix" or Head Seal Blown Head Gasket Repair" be a better option?

Again, the Radiator, full hoses, coolant reservoir, and was flushed twice.

Thank you!