Blown Head Gasket? – 2001 Chevy Cavalier Overheats

Think you might have a head gasket problem? Watch this short video.

Reader Question

My 2001 Chevy cavalier needs head gasket repair, at least that’s what the mechanic said. I replaced the water pump and fan motor but the water reservoir continued to be empty almost immediately, I could drive around the corner and the reservoir would be empty. Then the car would begin to run hot.

Then the car stalled and became a little difficult to start. If the head gasket is the problem how much do you think is a fair price to sell it for if the body condition is good and the interior (non smoker)?The mileage is a little over 101000

Thanks
Shatina

Hey there Shatina, how are ya today?

The VERY first thing I would do is get another mechanic to look at this. They need to do a cooling system pressure test to see where the coolant leak is and whether it is an external leak (like a radiator or hose) or internal leak (like a head gasket). This quick and cheap test should tell you that.

If they do think it is a head gasket problem I would highly suggest you try this over the counter additive like I talk about here and see what happens before you sell this vehicle.

Blown Head Gasket

You did not mention anything about white smoke coming from the tailpipe, a check engine light on and the engine running bad….all would be signs of a head gasket problem. You might just have an external coolant leak somewhere or a problem with the thermostat or something pretty easy to repair.

Let me know what happens.

Blessings,

Austin Davis