Lame TikTok cars ?

 

Kids, these days.

 

So you're replacing piston rings, but you never said that a compression test or leak down test had been done. But then you say maybe it wasn't the rings that were the problem, maybe it was the timing chain or transmission lines or fuel pump?

Now you've cut the transmission cooler lines. The only reason to remove these lines is if you're removing the radiator or the transmission.

And I don't recall you ever saying what driveability issues or codes you're getting. Maybe I just missed it, there's so much jibberish in your posts.

Bottom line, you're probably throwing a lot of unnecessary money and time into this car. If you start with the issues you're experiencing, coherently, we can very likely help you diagnose it.

 

Never underestimate the ability of a determined soul to address a problem and make it worse.

Seriously, if you caught this quickly enough, this may be as simple as replacing the radiator and flushing the transmission and cooling system and refilling everything.

What was the first symptom that lead to diving in?

 

“complaining” that there is no coolant level access point other than under the car with a screw seems kinda arrogant why not just radiator with cap? Already got the replacement hose going to bypass heater core at this time cause no time to test that at the moment.
No the hose was fused to the aluminum that’s why I said this thing is a TikTok car at this point cause it’s all this little this little that more that less this more that and that dude was going to ****ty mechanic from the sticks cause this is 2009 should NOT look this was how the radiator system lines and even fuel line connects are so fused and rusted it’s like dude hated Mexico and tampered with it like acid grease cause we get snow and salt here though not like this @&$?
Someone vandalized this thing for sure.

 

The coolant level access point, is the pressure cap that's screwed into the filler neck. It's on the upper radiator hose between the radiator and the engine.

Most of these connectors that are fused, there's usually no reason to remove them. So if no one promptly washes the salt off, they're going to rust. Do you expect an annual "loosening of every nut, bolt, hose, etc on the vehicle"? It's been driven in the salt for over 15 years! A used car dealer isn't going to spend time and money breaking loose all the rusted fasteners either. Nor should anyone expect them to.

Again, if you don't want to tell us what driveability issues you're experiencing, and there's no law requiring you to do so... but we're not going to be able to give you much help. Nobody really likes reading rants.

 

Yup The radiator had like a gallon of glue poured into it! They let it dry then put coolant in well it was a great $1500 learners experience… anyone in Illinois wanna 09 HHR 2.2 engine in good shape and a transmission in questionable condition LMK

 

ok just figured out there has been a short in the wire system as no spark production attempting to tackle that now if anyone got the scoop on fuse numbers as there have been mixed responses on numbers and location

 

This whole story is starting to smell of BS. Statements like it “ ran good for 3 weeks” then saying it was sabotaged with glue poured in the radiator by the dealer.
Sorry. Not buying the story.

 

Have you considered looking in the Owner Manual? Link in my sig. Or, on the label inside the fuse box lid.

Kind of interesting that "they" poured a gallon of glue into the radiator and you said there is no radiator cap.
Best advice: don't buy a car with a salvage title unless you are a good mechanic and willing to fix everything.