We have a 2008 HHR SS 2.0 LT turbo with an internal coolant leak. Did a coolant pressure test lost pressure. Looked in water pump access. Did a block test and it passed. Changed oil about 500 miles ago and everything was ok (black oil, not over overfull). All happened within a couple of days. Not sure what else to do. Looking for idea's.

 

If the coolant isn't going in the oil and it's not leaking externally, then it's burning out the exhaust.
I would pull the sparkplugs and looked for signs of coolant intrusion in the cylinders.

 

Compression test on the cylinders might give some insight as well unless that is what was meant by "block test".

 

X2 to both replies above, and a plug check would be fairly conclusive. If one of them is "steam cleaned", then you've found the cylinder with the issue. Hopefully not a cracked head, but don't be surprised if that's the ultimate diagnosis.

 

Drained oil pan and found all 5 qt of oil and also 4 qt of coolant. After oil was already drained and with plug in and with pressure to the system it ushed another qt of coolant into crank case (oil pan). Already did pressure test and put coolant into crankcase. Not getting any oil into radiator. Think problem could be seals in water pump, turbo, or oil cooler/heat exchange by oil filter.

 

Hmm. That story sure changed between 2 posts.

An 08 model SS, you're probably looking at a cracked block. There was a manufacturing issue back then. Do a search on block casting porosity(sp?).

 

Just to clarify. There is no "LT" version SS.

 

I meant 2.0 liter.

 

GM dealer confirmed the block is cracked between 3 & 4. Going to cost all most $6000 to get a new 2010 engine and get it put in. GM is not going to help pay for the new engine. Engines don't just crack unless their is a problem so it must be the porosity problem that was mentioned above. Now the new engine is not going to be at the dealer until Nov 25th. Apparently it is coming from Germany. We are very unhappy with the response from GM. The dealer never even offered a replacement car in the mean time.

 

You do not need to have the dealer do the work.