carlos8

hi guys, My D.D civic 97 b16a is consuming like a glass of water daily. I work 10 minutes from home. But not using the reservoir water (steady in the max line).

Not overheating
New cap ( overflow tanks was full one time) change it and stop.
When check the water, the radiator need a little of water and overflow is in max but not send coolant to radiator.
Head gasket new from one month ( bent one valve).
ARP's stud torqued to 80psi with moly lube.
Nippon Racing P30 head gasket.

97 civic ex b16a
cast mani, precision turbo, eBay intercooler kit
crome pro tuned.

tony_2018

Wait for the engine to cool down, remove radiator cap and start the engine again. If you see bubbles coming up you either

A) have air in the system
B) heater core could also be leaking
C) headgasket leak

If none of the above than check the following

D) have coolant seeping out of the cracks on either the iacv hoses, heater core hoses
E) Radiator hoses are leaking somewhere.

carlos8

Thanks, going to check for bubbles, either air in the system or H.G.

This are my two options: No heater, No IACV hoses, no leaks with pressure test.

Results in a few minutes!!!

carlos8

ok, so take the cap off and start the car. Few bubbles come now and then, wait till the thermostat open and added water and put the cap.

Tomorrow report if radiator is low.

P.S. When reved the car without cap no geiser.

tony_2018

You won't see a geiser but you'll see it either swirl a bit, or more bubbles. There's a kit that checks for exhaust gas in your coolant, sold at auto parts store. If it tests positive than you have a head gasket leak.

carlos8

yesterday night take the car for a spin, This morning when check the radiator a little water was needed.

So I'm inclined to H.G.

Question: can I use block tester fluid in a clear bottle. I have the fluid from the last time I rented one.

tony_2018

No, you have to use it on the radiator.

carlos8

Ok, went to Autozone and rent the block test kit.

3 tries and stay blue. At the end of each one put the rubber cone in the muffler tip and pump it, in 2-3 minutes it turns green/yellow.

There's a possibility for a small crack or little hair line that the block tester isn't efficient?

Because the car still consuming water, it's a little but consume.