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Hey all,

I'm new to the forum. I've got a '92 Civic DX hatchback that keeps overheating. I put a new thermostat in, but it didn't seem to help. I have to top up the rad with coolant every day to keep the temperature down. It doesn't appear to be leaking coolant anywhere, so I have to assume it's going into the exhaust. Does this sound like a head gasket issue? I don't know too much about these things. Is anybody here able to share some insight?

Thanks in advance,

C

 
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I should add that sometimes even though the rad is low on fluid, the reservoir/bottle is full. Also, just today my speedometer stopped working for about the first 20 seconds of driving. After that it started working again. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

C

 
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does the exhaust have a lot of white smoke that smells sweet?

 
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Your overflow is filling up because your head gasket has failed. What happens is a hole in the gasket allows exhaust gases to displace coolant in the system. The easiest place for the coolant to go is the overflow so that's where it ends up. Your overheating because of exhaust gases in the coolant system leave gaps during coolant flow. Sorry but you need to replace your head gasket

 
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Definitely sounds like the HG. Have you also checked the condition of the radiator? My friend's Camry kept overheating, but his issue was that he had a fubarred radiator. Replaced it and all the overheating stopped. It's worth looking at.

 
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Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies. I talked to a mechanic who mostly deals with Hondas, and he said the same thing: head gasket. I ended up getting a good deal on a '98 Civic EX with low km's (117,000). So, the '92 will be put to rest, unfortunately.

Thanks again,

C

 
Rep Power: 314

Hmm... whereabouts do you live? I'd buy the 92 off you and change the gasket lol...

 
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haha. I'm in Southern ON, near Hamilton. My girlfriend's folks need a vehicle, so I'm going to look into the cost of having it fixed. If it's too much, I may try to just sell it as-is. Not sure what it'd be worth.

C

 
Rep Power: 314

Holy crap I work in Hamilton... is it a coupe or sedan? Oops its a hatchback... is the body in good shape?

 
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god... you looking for a house for the K24?

 
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Actually... yes i am... because I can't take my DD out of comission to install a K24/20 in LOL... I won't be buying the frank swap but I may buy one later on. I'm looking for a project car