Rep Power: 0

My 2004 civic lx keeps overheating. Don't see any leaks or liquid around but the radiator level gets too low. Have replaced the radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, water pump, fans, temperature sensor, and head gasket--all at the dealer (although the radiator was aftermarket)--but still the problem persists. Put a can of $5 stop-leak stuff in the radiator and that seems to delay things, but still gets hot and needs to be refilled every 3-4 days. What gives? I've spent $3000 on this problem and am at my wit's end! Any help out there?

 
Rep Power: 0

Sounds like there's a good chance the dealer messed up the head gasket job. Have you contacted them since that work was done? But, you did yourself no favors by using stop-leak. If you mention that you used it, they'll likely say that they have no obligation to do anything under warranty (and that argument would probably hold up in court). So, that part of it (disclosure) is up to you, but it will probably take another head gasket job to fix the problem. You might be able to confirm that by having another shop do a block test for combustion gas - don't know what they would charge for that.

 
Rep Power: 0

I still have OP's problem and i did no work at dealers. However, the radiator loses coolant in 3-4 days and starts showing signs of needing more coolant filled up.
I have not had a timing belt work done, however, i believe i was told its a water pump problem.
No stop leak used

 
Rep Power: 0

Water pumps hardly ever fail as they are primitive impellas driven by your timing belt, so try another suggestion.

 
Rep Power: 209

It depends on what you mean by fail. If you are talking about damage or wear to the impellar I agree. When most people refer to the water pump failing they are talking about the bearing and seals and these do fail.

 
Rep Power: 0

I always change my water pump whenever I change my timing belt, so I'm yet to experience a failure in the seals themselves.