Rep Power: 0

Vehicle is a 2002 Honda Civic EX 1.7L vTech (Running the D17A not D17A2 engine as I replaced it)

Alright I need some insight here from all my car loving friends. My 02 Civic has been having off/on overheating issues. First, I will describe what it does and then what I have done to try and fix it. Primarily when at idle, the temp needle will draw up to about 3/4 hot (from the MAX on gauge) then when I would drive it went back down. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes it will stay hot. It is very sporadic and sometimes I can drive hours without it overheating.

What have I done?
-Replaced thermostat (twice, to ensure it wasnt faulty)
- used paperclip to jump relay (fans work, indeed both do)
- ran my own fan switch the ensure that they WILL ALWAYS be on when I flick the switch
- Tested water pump by starting car cold w/out radiator cap and watched it start flowing (said pump is about 2 years old)
--The plan today is to flush the radiator and replace the radiator cap. Any other suggestions??

Help!!!

 
Rep Power: 243

Is the overflow filling up?

 
Rep Power: 518

Welcome to the "Bad news, it's a head gasket" forum!
You never said how low the fluid in the radiator was then it got hot.


Were any of those factory parts?


Make sure this works

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok, so I flushed the radiator (not the heater core other than letting the car run with a radiator cleaner and water).

The overflow has been full, but then it goes into the radiator.

After flushing the system and letting the car idle for ~20-30 mins, it got about half-way hot (as far as the temp gauge goes, slightly above operating temp) but after turning my fans on (with my switch) it went back down. I purchased the temperature sensor but was waiting to put it in until I knew that the flush didnt fix the problem. It seems to be running ok, considering that a slight up in temp after a prolonged idle is normal.


-- Both thermostat were aftermarket.
-- The fluid level in the overflow was to the top (never boiled over, never left any liquid on the ground) but once the it got hot it flowed directly into the radiator (I believe)


Extra notes:
- Oil change 2 days ago (not milky when drained, looked like the traditional used oil)
- Also replaced the radiator cap

 
Rep Power: 142

Do a block test

 
Rep Power: 518

Half of the leaking head gaskets will PASS that test, that's why I can't use it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Forgive my ignorance but I don't know what that is. Pressure testing?

 
Rep Power: 142

Its a blue chemical in a test tube you stick in your radiator, and start your car up and idle it till operating temp. After that you suck air from the cooling system past the tube with the chemical in it and if it turns yellow that means there is hydrocarbons in the system which indicates a blown head gasket. You can also pressure test the system and set it at operating pressure and leave it for like an hour it if drops at all that can also indicate a blown hg as a cooling system is sealed. Also try a compression test the limit per cylinder is over 135 psi. Also check your plugs and see what colors they are.

 
Rep Power: 0

OP I'd drive it now and watch it. Have you been experiencing any loss of coolant? Just make sure you bleed all the air out of it.