i own a 1986 civic hatchback dx and i've noticed my engine has been overhearing alot. the temp gauge goes all the way up just under the red. i was going to change the antifreeze fluid but my dad said it wont help it. so could it be the radiator itself?

if so, how much is a new radiator plus instalation? i really need this car since im a driver and dominoes pizza and i dont want to take my integra on these diliveries.
TIA.

 

Make sure there is enough fluid in there, it could be a few things

Fan
Thermostat
Water pump
Clogged radiator
Not enough fluid

 

Could be a blown head gasket or it can be your radiator. A flush wouldnt hurt.

 

headgasket maybe?

 

Back up boys, anybody think of the obvious THERMOSTAT. Does it open at temperature. Could it be the fan switch? Does the fan come on.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tpr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Back up boys, anybody think of the obvious THERMOSTAT. Does it open at temperature. Could it be the fan switch? Does the fan come on. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah look up a little.

 

If you have leaks, keep the intake manifold gasket in mind. Otherwise, I'd suggest the thermostat.

 

well im kinda new on working on my own vehicles. can anyone show me a pic of the general area that i can find the thermostat?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Zoink &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well im kinda new on working on my own vehicles. can anyone show me a pic of the general area that i can find the thermostat?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Get a service manual for your car if you plan on working on your own cars.
It's a well spent $60.
If you loosen a bolt the book lets you know what torque you should tighten it back down to.
For major work it's priceless.