Originally Posted by
Deano
The 2009-2011 Aveo's have the LXV/Z16XER motor, with an engine oil cooler placed right behind the exhaust manifold catalytic converter. Because of the roasting effect from the cat, the engine oil seals deteriorate quite quickly. And when the engine oil cooler seals go, engine oil gets into the coolant, and forms a sludge that softens plastics and rubber belonging to the cooling system. And therefore becomes the main source of various coolant leaks. When I bought my used 2009 Aveo in 2013, the engine oil cooler was already leaking oil into the coolant, and there was already the sludge present in the coolant recovery tank. I had frequent leaks in the coolant recovery tank, rad hoses, heater hoses, water pump, until i replaced the engine oil cooler.
If I were you, I would replace the engine oil cooler first, and any hoses that were bulging, and the coolant recovery tank if you see any sludge. And do a thorough coolant flush.
Only after that, if overheating and coolant loss persisted, would i think about the head gasket.
Deano