AccordInTheMaking

Well, I just got done with my F22A1 engine build in my '91 Accord LX and I can't remember how to hook up all the small cooling lines that run to the thermostat housing, FITV, IAC and to the cylinder head.

If anyone has a detailed picture of this area of the engine bay that would be great- I took some photo's for reference at the beginning of the build but they mysteriously disappeared. As a result the thermostat (brand new, and installed correctly) does not appear to be opening since the lower hose remains cold. I really dont want to burn up an expensive engine over such a small problem as the cooling system. I belive the small cooling lines that run to the thermostat housing are responsible for transferring hot coolant to the thermostat... I could be wrong, but right now the engine is just getting too hot, so I am suspecting the small lines.

-Fans turn on and off
-coolant full and bled
-thermostat installed correctly
-guage reads right
-The tiny cooling lines are just not hooked up / blocked off at the moment

redbull-1

Would this help you? http://www.slhonda.com/parts/wholesaleparts.htm

AccordInTheMaking

oh, god yes! lol, I couldnt find a diagram anywhere. I'll print it out and go hook them up and see if that fixes my problem.

On the second note, is it a possiblility that the overheating problem (and thermostat not opening) be caused by these lines being run incorrectly, or not ran at all? I thought they were more for emmisions (heating the throttle body), and for the FITV to work, but perhaps they have a more important purpose? Otherwise im just baffled as to why I cant get the engine temperature to stay steady.

-Thanks for posting the diagram!

AccordInTheMaking

I put all the cooling lines back together the right way, but the car was still on its way to being overheated so I quickly shut it off again.

Earlier today when I removed the thermostat completely the engine never overheated, but rather just ran slightly cold- as it should have. But when I installed the brand new thermostat, it was still running too hot. Is it possible I just got 2 bad thermostats in a row, or is there a common problem that can arise on these engines that can cause the thermostat not to open even if its good? I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to these accords, bit this ones got me stumped for now.

bakertime

iTrader: (1)

I can't answer your question about a common problem with that engine, but one thing to double check is that you're thermostat is installed in the proper direction. You may want to flush the system to make sure there isn't some foreign object blocking water flow (unlikely). The last thing that comes to mind is a headgasket problem...

dtapia

are you using the factory t/stat or a aftermarket ? sounds like the problem maybe be related to the t/stat.if your using a aftermarket one your better off leaving it out.you will only be asking for trouble in the long run.

AccordInTheMaking

The thermostat is installed correctly, and yes it is an aftermarket brand. I figured when I get time agian, I'll pull it out quick and test it in some water on the stovetop and see what happens and at what temperature. Anyone know the ballpark price on a genuine Honda thermostat?

Its just kinda strange tho- according to the temp guage, the engine has never climbed all the way up (thank god... this engine cost me alot to build.. lol- I woulda shut it off anyway tho), but if I leave it to idle the needle goes up to just slightly below the H mark, and if I raise the RPMs up, the needle goes back down to about where it should be in the middle.

So... when I drive on the road, the needle acts the same and the engine never fully overheats but it just makes me nervous. And after coming back from the drive the lower radiator hose is still cold (its about 20 degrees outside here though). So it seems like the thermostat isnt opening, and so far ive been lucking out that the engine has managed to stay somewhat cool (only been very short drives so far).

Im sure I dont have a headgasket problem- the cooling system would be the least of my worries at that point if that was true...
I know at this point it seems obvious that the thermostat is my problem, but I got thrown off after the new thermostat failed to fix my problem.. hmm.... i guess i'll buy another one then...
-Thanks for the added input everyone

AccordInTheMaking

So im still working on getting the engine to run at the right temp, but anyway just for the hell of it here are some pics of my build- enjoy! F22A1 all the way baby!

AccordInTheMaking

PS: I forgot to add- if you want to see more / contact me etc. im ALWAYS on myspace lol- trust me

www.myspace.com/accord_in_the_making

Engine Mod's:
-Arias forged pistons 8.2:1 C.R. , 86mm (1mm oversized) - low compression for turbo later
-Toga forged h-beam rods with ARP studs
-Complete head and block cleaning/bead blasting/machining/painting
-Complete valve job, new seals, belts, bearings ect- the usual engine build basics
-"Stage 3" ceramic 6 puck clutch
-F-1 Forged chromoly steel lightened flywheel

-For now NA, with AEM cold air intake,
-Stainless 4-2-1 headers wrapped with DEI heatwrap
-Stainless 2 1/4" piping, Dynomax Super Turbo muffler
-MSD external coil conversion distributor cap
-MSD blaster 2 coil
-no-name wire-core plug wires (blue)
-NGK? Iridium IX plugs

journeyforce

Hello,

Nice car. Out of interest how are you discovering that the engine is running hot? By the gauge in the cluster or with a heat gun or thermometer?

It is not inconceivable that the cluster gauge is giving false readings.

Try ether a Honda t-stat or a new t-stat from a different parts place then the one you got the last two from (perhaps that store has a few defective ones)

Also how is your water pump? It might be defective and not able to push past a restriction such as a t-stat (this might be why the thing runs well without a t-stat in it)

How is your radiator cap? a defective one will not allow the engine cooling system to pressurize correctly.

I had a 1990 Escort that ran hot with a T-stat in it and ran properly with it out, so I know what you are going through

Good luck

L

AccordInTheMaking

I have an infrared heat gun laying around somewhere, but the "readings" Ive taken so far have been off the guage. I installed new temp sensors also when I did the overhaul.

The water pump is good. I really cant understand how a water pump could become "weak". Its just a stamped piece of metal that spins around by a pulley connected to the timing belt- it either works or it doesnt- but with the rad. cap off water spits out when you rev the engine, so I know I have fluid flow.

The radiator cap is good, and the system does pressurize just fine.

I'll probably just try another thermostat (...sighs...), and see what happens! Prefferably honda brand, but I just dont have any time to go to the Honda dealership nearest me, so we'll see.