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So I know the classic symptom of a a blown head on these things is a fluctuation in the temp gauge along with heating issues and coolant overflow. However hear me out:

This all started after a mechanic replaced my timing chain and water pump. I don't believe in coincidences so I bought one of those co2 testers to check for exhaust gases in the cooling system. I checked multiple times and it came up negative for high co2 levels in the radiator. The test works because it turns colors with my breath.

I'm convinced I have an air leak from the new water pump so its mimicking a blown head gasket symptoms.

My question is can I still overheat the engine? The temp gauge fluctuations is probably from the sensor reading an air bubble and air has a lower specific heat than water. So it spikes and goes down a lot more quickly. Are these bubbles enough to block the system and cause overheating or are they transient and I should mostly ignore the fluctuations in the gauge?

I'm in no position or desire to pay to have it fixed or do it myself. It just needs to last another 9 months or so.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 367

timing chain?!? So do you have a Si (SiR for Canada)?
If so, K series does not have history of blown headgaskets that i am aware of.

 
Rep Power: 223

did the coolant get bled properly?

 
Rep Power: 210

I doubt it. A pressurized cooling system is going to cause antifreeze to leak out, not air in.

 
Rep Power: 519

What has happened since this thread?

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...t-good-hg.html

 
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Sorry. I forgot about that thread. Nothing changed but I'm convinced its not a blown head due to lack of exhaust gases in the cooling system. That and I put 30-40k on the car since this issue started.



Im just worried an air bubble can block up the system and cause true overheating and therefore a blown head gasket.

 
Rep Power: 519

That won't convince me, I know better.
Most will pass that test just because the RATE of leakage is extremely slow.. These engines with a slow head gasket leak will almost always pass that test-- unless or until the leakage rate becomes extreme.


Sure.

Enough speculation.

Is the engine cold now?
Open the hood. Get a flashlight if you need one.
Where is the fluid level in the plastic reservoir?

Remove radiator cap.
Is the coolant level completely full, all the way to the top??

 
Rep Power: 367

What model is your car? EX? LX? Si?