shriketheavatar

So I am here to echo the plights of many others. My 2003 Honda Civic EX (~155K miles, automatic) started having overheating problems early this year. Temperature gauge would go up, head would not work at an idle, etc. Normal symptoms from the HG thread.

First mechanic I took it to replaced the radiator, but I still had issues so I took it to a second mechanic that I have had years and years of success with (and who I trust) - he suspected a head gasket and did a test using a colored liquid that 'should' change colors to indicate a blown head gasket. This test came back inconclusive and he said that he was not comfortable replacing it based on the evidence he had.

Instead, replaced my thermostat which fixed the issue and I did not have any problems all year until just recently. Check engine light came on (not necessarily anything, obviously), and then I noticed the temperature gauge getting wonky again and the heater not working properly yet again as it's getting colder where I live.

Today the check engine light started flashing so I took it in and they replaced the spark plugs and one coil, which had been causing a misfire and the flashing CE light. They also said the coolant level was low and that the hose connecting to the reservoir was completely disconnected.

This mechanic (not my trusted one) said either it never got reconnected (extremely unlikely based on what I know of the person who worked on the car last) or that it could have "blown off," possibly because of a cracked engine block.

Just hoping to get a feel for if everyone thinks this is definitely a HG issue, or if there is possibly a larger issue at hand here like a cracked block. It feels like too much of a coincidence that I've had coolant issues twice in a row and I do not believe that my mechanic would've left the coolant hose disconnected. Not sure if it is related but the car has always burned oil (no leaks at all) since I've had it.

Poopies

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for reading the sticky!

How was it inconclusive? It either changes color or it doesn't. You can even test it yourself with your breath. You can rent one at an auto part store. I did it for free, I just had to pay for a bottle of testing fluid.

What were the codes? Did they tell you, or just throw parts at it?

Was there any evidence of burning coolant? It's green an you can usually smell it... kinda sweet-like. Usually the coolant will barf out the cap of the reservoir.

How's your coolant look? A little oily or no?

Have you ever gotten the cylinders pressure tested? That's another cheap (or free) test you can have done.

ezone

Your trusted mechanic didn't change the radiator, correct?

I'd suspect this one left the hose off, if anyone would have, because he replaced the radiator.

Nobody really goes looking for weird stuff like that until there's a problem, or they notice an active leak.


If the hose was left off, then whenever the radiator gets low enough it will overheat and cause poor heater output.
But it still should be checked for head gasket issues.
Or fix this hose and see how long it goes before you lose heater again and it overheats.
Not bloody likely. To say 'cracked block' is pretty damn extreme even if he doesn't know anything about these engines.
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If you read the overheating sticky, you should have seen where I was quoted as saying most of these head gasket failures will pass almost every test most people can think of. Including that one.


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If you read the overheating sticky, you should have read about the ONE test method I rely on to prove head gasket leaks in this particular engine.


If it gets torn down for a head gasket job, that's the ideal time to re-ring it-- while the head is off, if you are willing to do it.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

so, you did read the sticky.

Did you do anything other than read?

What were the results of the two tests posted on the 1st post in the thread? ... I included them in the first post, so people would at least try to use the test...

Reading and not doing it simply is a waste of time for you, you know...

Sorry, but i compiled most of the causes in one thread, so we would not need to parrot all the time saying the same thing over and over...