2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport - 3 radiators in 1.5 years

Maintenance/Repairs
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9

I vote for the head gasket being compromised and pressurizing the cooling system. This will blow out the weakest link and I am guessing that is the radiator.

Here is a test for you.

  1. LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN OVERNIGHT! You want it TOTALLY COLD or this could be dangerous.
  2. Remove the radiator cap (DON’T REMOVE WHEN HOT!)
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Come around and look inside the cap.
  5. Fluid motion is normal. Bubbles are not! If you see bubbles, that is a sign exhaust is coming through the head gasket or a cracked block, etc.
  6. Coolant in bad head gasket situations after has an indescribable stench of automotive death! The smell is terrible and you will know when you smell it.
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