chrisalvar

1994 Civic LX auto tranny
Ok, so i just replaced fan, radiator, hoses, and thermostat.
I go to work at 2am, it takes me 3 minutes tops to get there.
By the time i get to work my temp gauge is already at the
halfway point! Its cold as ice outside! Is that normal?
ALSO, today i got off at 12pm. Took me 4 minutes to get home.
Of course, temp was halfway again. I popped the hood and
noticed the top radiator hose was hot, but the bottom one was
cold. Is that normal as well?
I did burp out radiator twice and today before i started the car
i opened the cap and it was topped off so i dont think there's
any air in there.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Change the thermostat.

chrisalvar

I just did. Its brand new.

Dc4LsTeG

iTrader: (7)

Are your fans coming on?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Make sure the thermostat is actually working. Did the temp ever go past the halfway mark? Does the fan come on?

chrisalvar

Gauge does not go over halfway mark. Still havent seen radiator fan come on. When i turn on AC only one fan comes on, not the radiator one though.

Dc4LsTeG

iTrader: (7)

Try jumping the fan or let your car idle and see of the fan comes on

chrisalvar

I did let the car idle for 10 minutes after burping it. Gauge at halfway point, fan did not come on. I also replaced the fan relay. And AFTER A WHILE lower hose did warm up. Could it be the fan switch or sensor?

cvcrcr99

You are fine. Lower hose should get warm after awhile. These motors do not produce much heat, so it will take a little while before everything is warmed up. If you are not overheating, then you are fine.

Edit - if you must test the fan, unplug the fan switch and stick a paperclip into the plug (harness side of course) with the keys out. Turn the car over so it has power and the fan(s) should come on. If not, the fan is dead, or there is a wiring problem. If they do come on, the switch may be dead. either that... or the colder weather is keeping the car below the fan switch's activation threshold.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

lol @ "replace the thermostat". How does a failed Honda thermostat cause overheating?

OP, I'm sure you're fine as long as the car doesn't overheat after idling for a while. Check back in the summer time. Did you replace it with an aftermarket thermostat that maybe has a smaller opening or "hotter" spring?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Where was it stated that it was overheating? Don't read more into it than was stated. I only suggested to check it. Definitely replace it if it is not working.

cvcrcr99

I have seen failed Honda Tstats stick closed and cause overheating. Of course this is after the owner already popped a head gasket overheating the **** out of the motor and never replaced the Tstat when rebuilding..... but I have seen it happen before lol

HondaPartsHero

Bleed the coolant system if you didn't, you probably have an air pocket