Hi everybody! (In the voice of Dr. Nick)

I have a 2006 C6 coupe with Z51 pack (manual) and about 10k miles on it.

I took it to the dealer today to have the tires replaced. (Got them from Tire Rack, just had them install and balance)

I mentioned to them that whenever the car was cold and I started it, I heard a rattle from under the car. Nothing was leaking that was visable, but was getting worse over time.

So they check. They said there was a coolant leak from my water pump (water pump was broken).

So they replaced the water pump.

I picked up the car and started driving it home. 6 miles (non highway) from the dealer to home.
While driving, I could smell coolant. I figured they topped it off and must have been left over smell.

Half way home, I notice the car feeling MUCH warmer than usual. I live in So Cal.
I had the tunnel plate replaced when I got the car and noticed much more heat coming from the center console.

I stop at a Ralph's by my house. I check the temps. All normal.
Leave it sit for a moment while I go to the store.

When I come back, I look under the car to see if there is coolant leak. Yep. Something is leaking.
I back the car out to see what is leaking. It is coolant. Orange/pink.
I open the hood.
BLOODY HOT. Much hotter than I have ever felt from under the hood after driving it 6-7 miles.

The coolent resevior is half of the container.

So obviously there is a leak. (Just went, after 2 hours and opened the hood, and it is still VERY HOT)

1) Thermo is broke or not hooked up
2) Pump still doesn't work
3) broken hose, or miss connected hose
4) no water in the water pump

So here is the question. (Yes I am an idiot when it comes to cars. The above is from what my friend told me it could be)

1) Do I go get some DEX, fill the res and drive it to the dealer in the morning. Service is open until 2.

2) call Road side, and have them flat bed the car to the dealer.

I don't want to screw up my car by driving it. I don't know what could happen to it if it is something even worse and even with filling the coolant up, the car breaks.

Can you guys give me some advice on what I should do tomorrow morning?

Thanks

Frank!

 

Oh, is there anything I should ask the dealer to do?

Like a coolant flush? Is it necessary?

How can I be sure everything will be fine after?

Frank

 

have it towed back to the dealer, they should pay for it. You can drive it if you have to as long as the reservoir does not go completly dry

 

 

I am not worried about paying. I have Chevy Roadside for the next 4 years.
Got full boat warranty.

I am worried about damaging the engine.

If it is okay to fill the coolant, and drive it (softly) without any damage, I'll do that.

Little traffic on Sat Am too.

Thoughts?

Frank

 

Sorry,

Still hoping for more.

To the top.

Frank

 

Bueller?

 

Wow...the exact same senario happened to me: small coolant leak, took it to the dealer, new water pump. Drove 7 miles, and temp shot way up very fast and steam started coming out of the engine bay. I opened the hood to look, and there was the bottom radiator hose, completely disconnected, hose clamp half-way down the hose, and all my coolant on the street. The technician forget to put the clamp back on the hose and as soon as the pressure built up, the hose popped off! I even opened the hood for inspection before I drove the car away from the dealer, but didn't see the misplaced clamp. I actually managed to get the clamp and hose back on, then walked to the parts store to get coolant. When I tried to add coolant, the system would not accept anything. I was told that the system, due to the sudden loss of coolant, had developed an air lock and would not accept any coolant until the entire cooling system was purged. So...I ended up having it towed back to the dealer, and they fixed at no charge and paid for the tow. No permanent damage done. I talked to the tech who left the clamp off, and he was very apologetic and readily admitted his mistake.
I just said "well...I've made a few mistakes in my time, too. Please just be a little more careful with my car". Lesson: gotta watch everything and everybody!!

 

At least he was willing to admit the mistake. Tough to argue with that and good to see it all worked out well.

 

When you get it back to the dealer tell the tech they need to buy a Vacume coolant filler from the tool guy (Matco sells them) Corvettes need to be burbed or filled with a vacume as the engine sits lower than the radiator. (many cars are like this). Air pockets in the coolant system is the problem you are most likely having. Like pucks when using a hoist not all techs know how to work on Corvettes. Likely had someone new do the water pump.