These are his exact words regarding the coolant leak.

BTW they said the pressure test held for 2 hours and was fine but they aren't sure where the coolant is going/leaking/how it's disappearing

"never had to mess with turbo before"

"don't know what it is. not sure how to check for it. not common problem"

Should I ask for some of my money back? I paid them $200 thinking they would know what to do...

 

Yes I would ask for some $ back, They knew what you had bringing it in , yes ?
Then find a better mechanic.

 

How old is this mechanic? Sounds like they don't have much experience at all. Not common? Very common is more like it.

 

Use your eyes, and a mirror, check the water pump, the orings on the transfer tube, the thermostat housing, the oil cooler, the heater core and all the hoses , the filler neck.
check for coolant leaks at the radiator ends, the drain valve.
you will find it eventually

 

"Never messed with a turbo before" ??? !!!

At least they're honest.

Turbos are pretty common in the 21st century.

Why is your car there?

 

If the water is going out the turbo it would be pretty obvious going out the tailpipe and steam cleani8ng the plugs.
Lazy mechanic. Probably paid a lot for the certificates on the wall.

 

I’m thinking the turbo is oil cooled, and the oil is water cooled, but it’s still those same places to inspect for leaks!

 

The turbo is lubricated by the engine oil, and cooled by the coolant.

 

I’m looking for coolant ports , don’t see where the coolant hoses connect, I looked a the Cobalt site and now see the coolant lines.
Thanks RJ

 

I do notice a bit of steam when starting the car. There is a decent amount exhaust water in the muffler. Someone had drilled a hole for a drain. It was clogged and I used a screw driver to unplug it. I would say about a cup of water had drained when I did that. It was odorless and clear. I wonder if that would be from the turbo burning up some coolant? Or something else? My 2010 LT with 225k never had this issue at all.