1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
#1
1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
I have a 1998 Honda Civic with an overheating problem. In Sept 2010 I replaced the radiator, thermostat, and hoses. In March 2011 it started to overheat again, and started leaking antifreeze. When I added more coolant, it stopped overheating for several days. The weird thing is the overheating was erratic. My gauge would go up very rapidly and go down to normal rapidly. There was no consistency. I took it in and they replaced two heater hoses and the overflow hose. 4 weeks later and same thing, leaking antifreeze and gauge going up and down rapidly. It even goes down when I turn the corner! In Sept 2011 they said the head gasket was fine, engine was fine. I have no symptoms of a blown head gasket. I called and they told me to bring it in and they will apply what I paid in Sept to the cost of a head gasket and waive they repair fees if it’s the head gasket. My question: about how much will that be? Could it be ANY THING ELSE? This is a very reputable shop. Any ideas?
Thanks so much!
Janie
Thanks so much!
Janie
#3
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
I don't know, I'm a girl........I just know I have to keep filling it once a week (about a half cup). Until a year ago I never once replaced it, this past year I've gone thru 2 gallons. It's leaking on the ground, does that help? LOL My car doesn't have a single symptom other than a leak.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
#5
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
It's leaking from under the radiator. Slightly left of the radiator if looking straight at the front of the car.
#6
The Grumpiest
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, USA
Posts: 28,333
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
15 Posts
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
I don't care if you're a girl, dog or martian. That has absolutely nothing to do with anything.
More than likely your radiator or a hose is leaking.
More than likely your radiator or a hose is leaking.
#7
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
Why would it go up and down like it does? Sometime it goes down for days after the it's gone up for a few seconds. Hopefully you are right and it's just a hose. I have a new radiator so I don't think it's that. It's just the erratic up/down that has me stumped. If it were the head gasket, would it go up and down like that?
Trending Topics
#8
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
If it has a leak at the bottom what fluid comes out is replaced with air, and you are getting air pockets in the system that create problems like you describe. Someone else will know for sure, but isn't that where the lower radiator hose is? It would be worth checking to see if it's cracked/broken/loose......
#9
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
It is def leaking right???? You can see coolant on the ground say you parked overnight, or since it is low on coolant you assume it is leaking?
If there is a physical leak, then you should be able to track it. They can pressume check it and will expose the leak pretty fast.
If there is a physical leak, then you should be able to track it. They can pressume check it and will expose the leak pretty fast.
#10
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
Yes, it is leaking on the ground. Hopefully it is a hose........just wanted to have a back up plan in case it's the head gasket. My car is old and there is a limit on how much I'm willing to spend if that's it. My poor old car has 233,000 miles on it and has been a good friend......
Thanks so much.
Thanks so much.
#11
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
I dont think that would be a hose, Im thinking its the overflow tank leaking out the excess fluid and not returning it like you should.
#12
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
To solve coolant leaks you need to find the high point of the leak and that will point to your source. If it is dry above the lower rad hose, then your problem is that point and below... If it is still wet with coolant above that, then follow it to the source. Coolant leaks are pretty simple to locate.
#13
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
its possible it could be the overflow tank. check your radiator cap. google will help you find pics of what it should look like. also for the ups and downs, try bleeding the system and freeing them of air pockets and bubbles. also check all hose connections
#15
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Laramie, WY, USA
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
Have you bled your coolant system?
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showpo...85&postcount=3
Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't a bad radiator cap also cause this?
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showpo...85&postcount=3
Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't a bad radiator cap also cause this?
#16
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
My coolant was bled six weeks ago and my radiator cap is new, I bought it last April. It looks normal, at least when I add antifreeze. I'll just take it in and hope for the best.
Thanks so much to all of you!
Janie
Thanks so much to all of you!
Janie
#17
Re: 1998 Civic erratic overheating problems-please give advice
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
djnickles
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
2
09-04-2005 01:33 PM