‘09 coolant reservoir

[Mberry]

So I replaced the coolant reservoir because of a hairline crack on the underside and I’m concerned now that a year later this new on is having the same issue. These plastic reservoirs are these the crappiest things or is my system getting too hot? Threw my code reader on and watched live data and the coolant isn’t getting above 200-225 degrees F. Any suggestions on replacements or am I pretty much screwed with this being an ongoing issue?

[Deano]

So I replaced the coolant reservoir because of a hairline crack on the underside and I’m concerned now that a year later this new on is having the same issue. These plastic reservoirs are these the crappiest things or is my system getting too hot? Threw my code reader on and watched live data and the coolant isn’t getting above 200-225 degrees F. Any suggestions on replacements or am I pretty much screwed with this being an ongoing issue?

2009-2011 Aveos have the engine oil cooler. When the seals inside the engine oil cooler start leaking (after about 4-6 years), engine oil mixes into the coolant. The engine oil contaminated coolant weakens the rubber in the rad and heater hoses, the water pump seal, and also softens the plastic in the coolant recovery tank. The quality of the coolant recovery tanks isn't the problem. The problem is the oil contamination in the coolant. I also was baffled why the coolant recovery tank in my 2009 Aveo kept cracking until i noticed an oily scum in the coolant recovery tank. Only after i replaced the engine oil cooler was I able to keep the coolant clear and free of engine oil.

That's my 2 cents.

Deano.

[Mberry]

Oh man so how complicated is it to replace this engine oil cooler. I drive big rigs and had one of these go and we ran dawn soap and water through the entire cooling system, what do you think about that?

[Deano]

Oh man so how complicated is it to replace this engine oil cooler. I drive big rigs and had one of these go and we ran dawn soap and water through the entire cooling system, what do you think about that?

Replacing the engine oil cooler on a 2009-2011 Aveo is not too complicated. I went slow, and it took 5 hours. An experienced person or mechanic could probably do it in 2-3 hours. (There are some old postings about this on this website) The hardest thing about replacing that engine oil cooler is you must remove the exhaust manifold "maniverter" to get access. So be sure you can remove and replace the 3 nuts on the studs that connect the maniverter to the first section of exhaust pipe before you start the job. You don't need to flush the cooling system with soapy water after you replace the engine oil cooler. Just do a regular coolant flush with clean water and coolant. I also recommend that you purchase the 3 replacement pipes (with seals) that connect the engine oil cooler to the cooling system. New pipes are not very expensive, but they are cheap insurance, and will make the job go faster.

Deano.

[Mberry]

Replacing the engine oil cooler on a 2009-2011 Aveo is not too complicated. I went slow, and it took 5 hours. An experienced person or mechanic could probably do it in 2-3 hours. (There are some old postings about this on this website) The hardest thing about replacing that engine oil cooler is you must remove the exhaust manifold "maniverter" to get access. So be sure you can remove and replace the 3 nuts on the studs that connect the maniverter to the first section of exhaust pipe before you start the job. You don't need to flush the cooling system with soapy water after you replace the engine oil cooler. Just do a regular coolant flush with clean water and coolant. I also recommend that you purchase the 3 replacement pipes (with seals) that connect the engine oil cooler to the cooling system. New pipes are not very expensive, but they are cheap insurance, and will make the job go faster.

Deano.

Thx for the info, can’t get to it now hope it holds for a couple weeks.

[OG-Lou]

Youtube Replacing the oil cooler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Z8VrDfy18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHZEnlr7FI