i have a 2" aluminum radiator and a slim fan. now during the colder months it seemed fine. Now that its been warmer(80+ degrees) ive had issues. Last week i drove about 20-25 minutes during alot of stop and go driving, when i arrived at my destination the radiator sounded like it was boiling!!?!? and coolant was spritzing out of the bottom around the hose fitting. i assumed the fan wasn't working properly? i checked the coolant level and tried to tighten the hose(it was tight) the next day, the top fins were dry.. i added more coolant. was that a good idea?

now i have my fan in the rear of the radiator.. if i put the fan in front will that help my coolant issues? or am i being paranoid? please note my temp gauge doesnt move from a little below half way(normal) but after a spirited drive my engine bay smells of warm coolant.. what should i do?? thank you!

 

Spock sounds like you have air in your system, you need to bleed it out. I usually leave the cap off and leave the engine idleing. After the fan cycles twice I fill the radiator with water then open the bleed valve.

 

well it hasn't since made that noise since last friday..or at least not since i put more coolant in

 

Yeah you've got air in your system, i'd take the cap off when it was cold of course and just let it idle for about 20 mins. Then open the bleed valve and let all the air out, when water comes out close it off.

 

Check your radiator cap for any damages. Replace if necessary. If that still doesn't fix it, its gotta be your thermostat. Not hard to replace that either. 30 bucks DIY.

 

i have a newer Mugen cap.. i dont think there is anything wrong with it.

 

Thermostat. I had the same problem. First I replaced cap because it broke. But it still "boiled." A friend insisted it was my thermostat. I took that out of its housing and the thing was warped from excessive overheating. I replaced the thermostat and it was good as new.

 

Just make sure you spend the extra 10 bucks for an oem honda thermostat. It will save you trouble.