2009 Vibe GT coolant loss; radiator?

[Jonas]

Maybe the dumbest thing I've ever done.

Hey everybody. 2009 Pontiac vibe GT (matrix XRS)
I've been hearing squealing and knocking coming from my engine lately, then my engine started running hot, and when I opened the hood, I saw that there was water sprayed everywhere. So, I figured it had to be the water pump.
Immediately after I finished the nightmare-ish process of removing the water pump, the pump seem to be fine and in good shape. Then I noticed one of the lines leading to the radiator was broken. Judging by the spray pattern, it looks like that's why I overheated. So, I think I may have replaced my water pump for no reason, still don't know what's causing the noise, and may need a new radiator. It doesn't look like that plastic piece is replaceable. Any advice, ideas, or condolences are appreciated.

 

[fdcg27]

We've all at least once jumped to what proved to be an erroneous diagnosis.
My fondest hope for you is that you caught the overheat in enough time to avoid ruining the engine.

 

[cptbarkey]

Perhaps something else in the belt system is seized up? Check all the pulleys/rollers/tensioners.
How long was it run overheated?

 

[Kira]

I understand the squealing and knocking alarming one into swift and decisive action.

Judging by the spray pattern, it looks like that's why I overheated.

The pattern of the spray as opposed to loosing coolant? Did you ever measure level before tackling the water pump?

Is "the plastic piece" a hose barb/pipe nipple or a side tank?
And you still have the knocking noise?

I suppose it's always good to remember that cooling systems can be oddly troublesome and often difficult to diagnose.

How many miles are on your 2009? I almost bought a 2008 from a guy.
What brand water pump did you buy?
First owner? What was the general condition/appearance of the coolant?

 

[Jonas]

I understand the squealing and knocking alarming one into swift and decisive action.


The pattern of the spray as opposed to loosing coolant? Did you ever measure level before tackling the water pump?

Is "the plastic piece" a hose barb/pipe nipple or a side tank?
And you still have the knocking noise?

I suppose it's always good to remember that cooling systems can be oddly troublesome and often difficult to diagnose.

How many miles are on your 2009? I almost bought a 2008 from a guy.
What brand water pump did you buy?
First owner? What was the general condition/appearance of the coolant?

I thoroughly checked the belt and all the pulleys, they were all fine including the water pump. I think the engine's okay, the coolant got up to 237° by the time I turned it off. What I mean by the pattern of the spray, is that the coolant all over the engine looks like it came from that broken hose connection, and not the water pump area. The plastic piece is right where the radiator cap is. The plastic itself is broken in half.

 

[twX]

Don't forget to reattach that loose ground wire, and clean up the connector before you do. If you didn't disconnect it to replace the water pump, maybe it's the ground for the radiator fan?

 

[Jonas]

Don't forget to reattach that loose ground wire, and clean up the connector before you do. If you didn't disconnect it to replace the water pump, maybe it's the ground for the radiator fan?

 

[Kestas]

I've been able to repair similar situations with a short length of copper pipe and epoxy. Drill the inside of the broken pieces to size and slip in the copper pipe. Hopefully you'll find something that is close to fit.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I've been able to repair similar situations with a short length of copper pipe and epoxy. Drill the inside of the broken pieces to size and slip the copper pipe on. Hopefully you'll find something that is close to fit.

I was able to do this also once - with JB weld. It eventually let loose again. Maybe Epoxy is better? What kind did you use? I generally have Bob Smith Industries around? I don't know what temp its rated for though?

 

[Kestas]

I had no particular type in mind. I'm also a big user of JB Weld.

 

[Jonas]

Here's a better picture.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Go stand in the corner for 15 minutes young man...

And welcome to the club of "If it ain't broke I can fix it!"

 

[Jonas]

Perhaps I can put a slightly smaller tube inside the hole to give it a little more length? I don't know where I would find such a thing but it's the only thing I can come up with. Something like this:

 

[Trav]

Replace the radiator, anything smaller will probably not hold up long and will reduce the flow. Messing with Mikey Mouse usually brings big trouble at just the wrong time.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You might as well get a new radiator. The OE Toyota radiator 16410-0H250 is over $300, but of course there are aftermarket radiators for under $100

 

[cptbarkey]

Replace the radiator, anything smaller will probably not hold up long and will reduce the flow. Messing with Mikey Mouse usually brings big trouble at just the wrong time.

Agree, dont try to cobble that together, the plastic rad is end of life at 16 years.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Replace the radiator, anything smaller will probably not hold up long and will reduce the flow. Messing with Mikey Mouse usually brings big trouble at just the wrong time.

Spon on. Pay once cry once. If that is the original radiator, it's all upside.

 

[D60]

I've done dumber things but I feel like a pressure tester should be your next purchase

 

[Jonas]

Should I reinstall the old water pump? It seems fine, not noisy, broken or loose. It's also OEM and only about a year old.

 

[cptbarkey]

Should I reinstall the old water pump? It seems fine, not noisy, broken or loose. It's also OEM and only about a year old.

Well, while you have things apart, I would probably fire up the engine and listen for knocking. You dont need to run it for very long to at least rule that out. Your dash will light up because there is no alternator, but who cares because this is a diag test. Take a video with your phone, post it on YT if you like. That would be helpful.

If its still knocking then you have bigger issues.