1998 Civic Lx coolant overflow problem?
#1
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ok i have this problem with my wifes honda the coolant is overflowing from the radiator
and the reservoir tank overflows as well like if all the coolant all goes into the tank .
and also the radiator cap and the bottom of the reservoir tank has this greyish gunk on it!
any suggestions?
[autostream]http://autostream.com/ibcivicforums/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=1326& transactionid=1350526654-67180169132&posted_by=03navi_www.civicforums.com&y outube_video_id=LuTWY8r9_O8[/autostream]
and the reservoir tank overflows as well like if all the coolant all goes into the tank .
and also the radiator cap and the bottom of the reservoir tank has this greyish gunk on it!
any suggestions?
[autostream]http://autostream.com/ibcivicforums/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=1326& transactionid=1350526654-67180169132&posted_by=03navi_www.civicforums.com&y outube_video_id=LuTWY8r9_O8[/autostream]
#2
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 1998 Civic Lx coolant overflow problem?
I'd be doing head gasket checks. Combustion leakage into the cooling system is what that looks like.
#4
Re: 1998 Civic Lx coolant overflow problem?
Here we go again...this seems to be the most common problem on this website. I had this exact same problem 2 months ago, and after much research and money wasted, I found out my hg was leaking. The simplist, quickest, cheapest way to know for sure if this is indeed your problem, have a smog station do a radiator sniff. If they detect ANY hydrocarbons, your hg is leaking and will get worse and worse.
Get the smog sniff, its like $20 and if you pass, atleast you can rule out the hg.
The other thing that might be your problem is your thermostat is stuck closed. Let the car run until its fully heated up (rad fan comes on atleast twice) and then check the lower radiator hose that feeds to the back left side of the engine. If that hose is NOT getting as hot as the upper hose, your thermostat it stuck closed and needs replacing. Its an easy fix, about a $25 part if you buy OEM. If I was you, id check this out first, before getting a radiator sniff.
Get the smog sniff, its like $20 and if you pass, atleast you can rule out the hg.
The other thing that might be your problem is your thermostat is stuck closed. Let the car run until its fully heated up (rad fan comes on atleast twice) and then check the lower radiator hose that feeds to the back left side of the engine. If that hose is NOT getting as hot as the upper hose, your thermostat it stuck closed and needs replacing. Its an easy fix, about a $25 part if you buy OEM. If I was you, id check this out first, before getting a radiator sniff.
Last edited by rekomstop209; 10-17-2012 at 09:44 PM.
#6
Re: 1998 Civic Lx coolant overflow problem?
Okay I watched your video. Your hg is leaking, the blackish brownish sludge looking stuff coming out of the radiator is a definite indication of what ezone said.
#7
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 1998 Civic Lx coolant overflow problem?
In the vid, it looked like it was trying to push coolant out as soon as you cranked the engine.....looks like a pretty large leak to me from where I sit.
SO here's an easy test most people can do:
Unplug the distributor or coil wiring harness so you don't burn up the ignition coil during this test.
Pull all 4 sparkplugs out
Fill the radiator to the top
crank the engine, make sure the radiator stays full when you crank it. Fill to the top.
Install #1 sparkplug.
Have a helper crank the engine.
Watch the radiator for movement of the coolant.
Remove that plug.
Install plug in #2 cylinder.
Have a helper crank the engine.
Watch the radiator for movement of the coolant.
Remove that plug.
Repeat for all cylinders.
When you get to the one that makes the coolant puke out of the radiator, you proved you have a breach between the cylinder and the water jacket AND you know which cylinder(s) the problem is on.
This really only works well on really large leaks.
SO here's an easy test most people can do:
Unplug the distributor or coil wiring harness so you don't burn up the ignition coil during this test.
Pull all 4 sparkplugs out
Fill the radiator to the top
crank the engine, make sure the radiator stays full when you crank it. Fill to the top.
Install #1 sparkplug.
Have a helper crank the engine.
Watch the radiator for movement of the coolant.
Remove that plug.
Install plug in #2 cylinder.
Have a helper crank the engine.
Watch the radiator for movement of the coolant.
Remove that plug.
Repeat for all cylinders.
When you get to the one that makes the coolant puke out of the radiator, you proved you have a breach between the cylinder and the water jacket AND you know which cylinder(s) the problem is on.
This really only works well on really large leaks.
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