Skulleds

I've been searching on various forums about the issues I've been having.
First off, some background information.
About 3 months ago I spun a rod bearing. My friends and I decided to undertake the task of rebuilding my motor, because it would only cost around $500. Well, things ended up spiraling and I ended up dumping $1500 into the rebuild. Finally got the motor rebuild done, started and broke in for 1,000 miles. Around 800 miles in I noticed my cars temperature started to fluctuate when I was driving, and around 1200 miles into the rebuild it started overheating in a matter of minutes. I was told I would probably need a new thermostat and that would fix the problem, so long as I bled the air out of the coolant lines. I did that, and it still was happening. It was fine for a bit and then I took it out for a drive when it was hot and within 10 minutes it started to go past half, as I was driving it home the temperature spiked and the upper radiator tank cracked where the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator.

I replaced the radiator and bled the system again using a funnel that one of my dads friends who works for Honda recommended. Now, it runs just fine when I'm driving and the temperature doesn't fluctuate at all while driving, however if it idles for a bit the temperature goes up and up and up. The radiator fan kicks on and it still doesn't go down. I'm not sure what's wrong with it at this point. This morning after it had sat overnight I took the radiator cap off and started it up and instantly spiked the RPM's to 3k and no coolant shot out of the radiator, indicating my head gasket isn't blown.

I'm not exactly sure what to do now. Water pump maybe? Has anyone had this problem before?

Skulleds

It doesn't overheat unless I've been driving it, go to park and let it idle for a couple of minutes.
If I start it up after being cold and let it warm up it doesn't overheat at all.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

taking the rad cap shouldnt make the RPMs spike to 3k.


Did you bleed it correctly? With the front end in the air, heat on, until bubbles were gone?

Skulleds

I took it off then spiked it to 3k to see if coolant would shoot up from pressure in the system after sitting.
I had a Honda technician bleed it. Front end wasn't in the air but the heat was on and he used a special funnel, it ran for about a half an hour. The radiator fan kicked on twice and there was no air bubbles anymore.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

hmm... interesting phenomenon.


Since you have a Honda Mechanic a simple phone call away, he should be able to help you with this as he can put his hands on the car and troubleshoot.

Skulleds

I wish it was that simple. He's a pretty busy person.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

Is the fan right up on the rad?

Sometimes the fans slow down over time and maybe not pulling enough air.
especially if this is the OE fan..

I can recommend this fan persoanlly and will pull massive air.

www.xenocron.com/maradyne-13-slim-fan-p-308.html

damn thing sounds like a hair dryer

Skulleds

Yeah it is OE.
It didn't have this problem before which is why I really don't think it's the fan.
But that might make sense.
If it was the water pump wouldn't it be overheating while I drove it instead of just at idle? It doesn't heat up super fast. It took around 5-10 minutes to get to 3/4.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

One would think so, but then again, you have alot of air hitting the rad..

This is a good question for Ron to chime in on since your honda mechanic cant answer your concerns

Skulleds

It doesn't overheat while driving.
Or if I start it up it will idle for as long as I let it idle without overheating.
It's only when I come back from driving, and then let it idle.

Before I replaced the radiator it would overheat within 5 minutes of driving.
I'm going to redo the thermostat with a Honda one and see if that helps. Also am going to buy that special bleeding funnel that the mechanic used.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

sounds like a weak fan to me.

Skulleds

I've heard water pump, blown head gasket, and now fan. Lol.
I don't even know where to start

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

If it was a water pump or HG, your mechanic buddy who bled the system shoudve seen this.

This is why im pointing towards the fan.

Mr20v

Turn heater on sometimes helps stop overheating

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

Turning on the heater doesnt stop over heating. It adds ambient temp coolant into the cooling system and will temporarily lower temps.

tekfoc

SOUNDS TO me faulty head gasket job .
do a combustion test and leak down test also .

0xenocron

Using the heater to lower temps is essentially the same as making your radiator a little bigger, just more surface area to cool down the coolant. Doesnt make driving around in the summer very enjoyable though.

Skulleds

Definitely was a head gasket.
Got a full entire stock rebuild done to it at a shop.
Going to be putting this bitch in soon.