JDM_SOHC

Ok so after reading all the old threads on it, i'm semi stumped... My radiator flushes fine, so i doubt its clogged, compression was dead even all across at 160 so im doubting head gasket, and my water pump & thermostat both seem to be working fine... So why does my radiator drain into the overflow and boil like crazy until it starts spewing out the top..?? Could a bad overflow cap possibly be the answer..?? If i tighten my cap hand tight, it gets to a certain point than jumps off groove and you have to retighten it... I'm not sure if thats normal or what, i'm not tryin to just throw out cash here an there for something that i'm not to sure of... Car doesn't overheat, but does bog while driving pretty bad only sometimes though "about 10 minutes after initial warmup" but also it sputters while downshifting, almost sounding like a misfire... I'm thinkin this motor has got to go but we'll see... Any ideas on the coolant issue though..??

JDM_SOHC

No afternoon Genius's 2day..??

Former User

I would suggest that you purchase a new radiator cap and then bleed the cooling system of possible trapped air.

JDM_SOHC

i did bleed the system, although i didnt try a different cap however; i just went out an filled my radiator with about 36 ounces of coolant and it was topped off, let my car idle for about 25 minutes and it was still topped off, even with a couple small pushes on the gas, and taps on the radiator all while my front end jacked up... but like 2 weeks ago, when i took my radiator cap off, it was in 2 pieces and i thought it was broke, although it did seem to seal still when u pushed and turned the cap "no fluid leaked for almost 45 minutes after i put it back on with them seperated.. so just now i put the spring piece and the top metal together with a small amount of force "click" it snapped back into the cap and didn't wanna seem to come out at all... ie: my cap goes on VERYYYY tight, you have to push down on it and turn not like any other i had before... so anyways, take my car for another spin and now all seems normal again... this is wack...

edit: props to my 2000th post

Former User

It sounds like the radiator cap is broken. If so, it may not hold proper pressure, allowing hot coolant to flood the reservoir. Purchasing a new cap is pretty inexpensive and may save you some frustration in the near future.

JDM_SOHC

im going to no doubt, but how come everyone says stay away from the auto parts store brand..?? does it not fit the same although its claimed "oem quality"...??

Former User

Not sure. Maybe another member knows the answer.

JDM_SOHC

tru, well thanks at least for the thought, i was along those lines already but it makes more sense if others think its worth a shot...

JDM_SOHC

well since i've taken out the thermostat to test it and put it back on, and teflon taped the outer threads on overflow cap, my coolant has boiled or even depleted any at all.... wtf..!! its just odd that outta nowhere my coolant would boil an dissipate into my engine bay, and now it just acts fine...?? i have a 3hr road trip this weekend and im semi nervous to take my whip incase the bizarreness happens again....

redef90si

iTrader: (3)

changed the cap with a oem one from honda and you should be fine

JDM_SOHC

yeah i heard that a couple times too... is that really a fact with the whole cap not holding pressure and all that..?? or just a random idea that sometimes fixes the problem along with other tried solutions too..?? thanx for answer

captamericao9

Are you boosted? I had the same problem but fortunately I was overheating and swapin for a dohc turbo setup but it might be that your radiator is too small, might need to upgrade possibly.