thermostat doesn't open till heat hits top of the line
What would cause car to lose water? belts water pump heater core radiator all fine thermostat changed twice?
You need to pinpoint where and if the water is being lost!
Do you see any discharge? Anywhere? Look around when the motor is hot.
When it has lost coolant, has the level in the radiator gone down, or the level in the header tank?
If the drop is in the header tank, you may have a problem in the engine. If it RISES in the header tank and DROPS in the radiator, you may have an engine problem.
If it drops in the radiator, and not in the header tank, replace the radiator cap (ensure it is the correct type and pressure).
If the thermostat really doesn't open until VERY hot, is it the CORRECT thermostat? Some have a bypass vent to ensure it works correctly.
When it does open, what is occuring with the temperature gauge, does it drop or remain the same temperature? If it remains the same, again is it the correct thermostat, and are you sure the gauge is not reading erroneously?
Lots of maybe's. It's a process of elimination.
The final one... are you SURE the heater core is clear, and are you assuming the pump is OK ? (usually is). Belts should be obvious.
Just ensure you NEVER remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Wait for it to cool.
Engine problems can be a gasket, or the head or block cracked. Other external leaks should be obvious.
What would cause car to lose water? belts water pump heater core radiator all fine thermostat changed twice?
is it loosing it through the over flow? what year make and model? theres alot of chevys thats you have to do intake work on. but yes it could be haed gasket, but usually overheats from that. not enough info to help
Pressure test the system. Could be a pinhole in the radiator or 1 of the hoses. Also wrong radiator cap or rubber gasket around the rad cap.
Replace the radiator cap. The cap pressure could be lower than require or the rubber gasket is worn out.
thermostat could be put in the wrong way or you didn't bleed the system look for a bleed bolt or nut
DO YOU HAVE THE RITE TEMP THERMOSTAT
maybe you have a freeze plug leaking.
go to an engine shop and have it tested for a bad head gasket
