Burping it. Park it nose high, cap off, run it till it burps.

The fact that the heater works but the radiator stays cold makes me think "bad t-stat".

It is a 180F t-stat? Recently we have heard auto parts stores selling 190F t-stats.

 

Yeah its a 180 stat.
I got on you tube and looked up, the how to on burping coolant systems. I may have to try a new stat. Again
Thanks don

 

Park the HHR nose (front bumper) about a foot higher then the tailgate, let it cool down a few hours, open the rad cap to let it burp and top up the Dexcool.

Is it an AC Delco thermostat? If not get one!

 

I tried burping the system, but it still acts like it's not circulating. The radiator on the passenger side gets hot and the lower hose and driver side of the tank
is staying cool to touch. It's got a new t-stat from Napa in it, but I guess I'll get a new AC Delco one and try that.
Does anyone think that the water pump might be bad. And if so do you have to pull the motor to change it out?

 

1 Yes 2 no

There is a water pump how-to posted in the how to library in this forum. hint: search "water pump".

 

It's like deja-vu all over again!

 

Yeah thanks again. I know I'm probably repeating my self but I'm just trying all the small suggestions first.

 

Try just the thermostat first, the Napa one could be the problem!

 

I blew the head on my 09 Chevy hhr SS turbo. I was trying to find the parts you mentioned, but their is so many and I am lost. I have no clue what part is what and where to get it from and what all I need for each. Thank you so much for your time!

 

Are you looking at replacing the head? Need part numbers for the chains and and gaskets? LMK and I can PM you a grocery list of part numbers and sources ,