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Hello to all, I am new here. I own a 2005 Honda civic it has been a great car with 137000 miles. I have an issue with the cooling system; about a year ago I had a hole in the radiator so I had it replaced along with the thermostat. The civic got hot a few times right afterwards, cleared the air in the system and it ran perfect for about 10 months or so, then I brought it to a shop that I have used for years, to have the timing belt, water pump, power steering belt and A/C belt replaced. I do most of my own work but I did not have the time. The civic drove great for a few days then it began to run HOT! The lower hose was not getting hot, meaning the thermostat is not opening. Replaced the thermostat, it ran perfect for a few more days then it got hot again. This time the lower hose was not hot and the radiator cap was air cool to the touch. Also, when all of this starts happening the heater stops blowing warm air. I checked the oil for coolant in it there was NONE, also there is not white smoke through the tailpipe. Therefore I do not think that it is the head gasket. I am use to working on American V-8 vehicles. These Honda seem to be very temper mental, but are assume vehicles.

My next move is to replace the radiator again (may have gotten a bad one) due to the fact that when it gets hot or overheats (just once) the radiator cap is not hot and the lower hose is also not warm. I think the radiator is not circulating. I am hoping some of you Honda experts are able to help me with my dilemma.

Problems that come to mind:
1. Heater core plugged
2. Radiator not circulating
3. Head gasket blown, but showing typical signs

Thank You for your time!!!!

 
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Sorry at the bottom of the post I said that it is showing typical signs, but it is a miss print IT IS NOT SHOWING SIGNS OF BLOWN HEAD GASKET!

Thank you!

 
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is the new water pump working correctly

 
Rep Power: 209

I'm guessing air is still in the system or the thermostat. I know you replaced the thermostat but it may be possible the new one is defective. Depending on the housing, I have also seen people put the thermostat in backwards in which case it will never open. Also, you should be checking the upper radiator hose, not the lower one. The engine pulls water from the bottom of the radiator and returns the hot water to the top so the top hose will get hot first when the thermostat opens. A stuck thermostat would not cause the heater to stop blowing hot air, if anything it should get hotter so I am thinking trapped air is the problem.
The only way you should need to replace the radiator is if it is leaking or has become plugged and I doubt either is the case.

 
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I have replaced the thermostat three times in the last eleven months. Any suggestions on how to get the air out of the system. I let it run with the cap off until the bubbling stops and I have added coolant as it drops in level.

Also, when it gets hot it is intermitten. I can drive fifty two miles to work and no issues, then come home and it will get hot after about forty or so miles into the trip. Everything has been replaced.

 
Rep Power: 209

I have only replaced the antifreeze in the Civic twice so there are probably others that can give better advice but I believe you just have to raise the front of the car to help the air escape.

I'm curious, when you drive to work is it highway or stop and go traffic. Does the car get hot stopped in trafffic or when it is moving?

 
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It is all highway, but it is when I exit the freeway that it gets hot and not everytime.

 
Rep Power: 209

I'm kind of at a loss. When a car is fine on the highway but overheats in traffic I usually think cooling fan. Above about 35 mph there is enough air flow that the radiator fan never comes on. When you get off the highway and it starts to get hot, can you hear the fan come on?

 
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anyone know if you have to burp the system on these car, i usually just add extra coolant to the reserve and let it burp itself.

 
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my 2002 honda civic ex was doing the exact same thing, and i had a blown head gasket. it didn't show all of the signs either, but i changed the gasket and everything is fine now. i am about 99.9 percent sure it's your head gasket. You can check your cylinder compression with a compression gauge and that will give you some more insight into whether it is your head gasket or not. if your compression is low then it is usually your head gasket. hope this helps