Fraser1989

Hey,

Now I have read about this and I have seen that a few other people experience this problem.

When it is winter and I have my heat on while idling my engine's temp will decrease out of its normal operating range.
So when I remote start my civic in the winter the engine temp cannot get above 60 c /140 f. Which results in the heater blowing mildly warm air. The other issue with this is that when I am sitting in rush hour traffic the heat in the car will decrease which is undesirable.

If I do not have the heat on it will reach its normal operating temperature.
Also while I am driving and not idling the engine will stay at its normal operating temperature.

So I am thinking if I increase the idle this will help resolve my problem. Currently my idle around 600 rpm (estimated due to looking at the tach).

What would there be any consequences if I was to increase the idle to 900 rpm? Other than increased fuel consumption?


Thanks,
Fraser

ojasia

Well have you tried sitting at the light and holding idle to 900 rpm and seeing if it helps?
with heat on and everything your explaining.

I would get a different temp Thermostat. I kno thinking while your driving rpms are higher so temps are higher and bla bla so you want higher rpms while sitting I think Changing your T stat will help more in your category.

You must have the most efficient Rad. in the world. Or its really freaking cold where you are. you could always get a cigarette plug electronic heater! Lol.

I think if you get a lower T stat it will run a bit cooler while driving but help keep coolant flowing through the engine warming it up more often and then into your cabin.

Try raising your idle like you said see if it stays @ 900 GL

domdambrogia

I raised my idle in my civic and it only led to surging RPM's. I had a similar problem, the AC caused my RPM's to drop to about 200 range. Raising my idle did fix my low RPM problem but I get some annoying RPM surges now unfortunately.

slowcivic2k

Your thermostat is likely opening too fast because it has failed or is failing. The heater core runs off the engine cooling loop, which means if the thermostat is opening correctly (at ~180 degrees at least), you will see that type of heat flow in the heater core AT LEAST. If the heater core is blocked off due to sediment formation, you will suffer poorer heat output as a result. The thermostat only blocks off the radiator cooling circuit. Installing a thermostat that is "too cold" will result in poor heat output, as the heat generated ends up in the radiator.

This also has poor effects of the expansion of the engine materials, and can lead to premature head gasket failure due to extreme temperature changes, such as not running a thermostat at all. The goal of the thermostat is to MAINTAIN engine temperature. If your temperature fluctuates, you have a bad thermostat, or excessive air in the system. A slipping water pump impeller is also possible, but very uncommon.