My car is a 2004 Cadillac Seville with the Northstar engine and approximately 96,000 miles. About 7 years ago, its "Add Coolant" alert was displayed. My mechanic believed I shouldn't have to add coolant unless there was a leak in either my radiator or head gasket.
Because he couldn't find a radiator leak, he suspected it was the head gasket.
He topped the coolant off and put AlumaSeal in the radiator. He said AlumaSeal was the best product to use because my car has an aluminum block. I think we both felt that was a temporary solution.
But, it worked magic! The "Add Coolant" alert has never again displayed and the car has never overheated.
If my car did indeed have a head gasket leak, I'm wondering if the AlumaSeal fixed it permanently - or, is it possible it never had a head gasket leak to begin with? What do you think?
I'm considering a coolant fluid exchange but am concerned that may put me back at square one relative to whatever caused the "Add Coolant" light to come on in 2015.
I know, under normal circumstances, a coolant fluid exchange would be good for my car - but I'm afraid of upsetting the applecart and causing the "Add Coolant" alert to reappear.
What do you advise?
I'm wondering if the AlumaSeal fixed it permanently
no.
is it possible it never had a head gasket leak to begin with? What do you think?
Sure it's possible. Maybe the pressure cap was just loose. A little bit of coolant just evaporates over time too.
The "mechanic" should have done a proper head gasket test
I'm considering a coolant fluid exchange
Do it
I'm afraid of upsetting the applecart and causing the "Add Coolant" alert to reappear.
if it does then fix it properly this time
