I just bought a cheap 94 accord EX. I was told by the people that sold me the car that there is nothing wrong with the temp at where the car runs. However, the gauge goes above half after about 10 min of driving. I checked the radiator fluid and it is all at the right level. Water pump was replaced about 10k ago (car has 134k). Thermostat problem? If so, how do i fix that?

 

So just HOW FAR above the 1/2 way mark are we talking about?
Be sure the block is burped thru the 12mm bleed screw at the T-stat housing.
Are the cooling fans cycling when the temp is 1/2 way?
Top and bottom radiator hoses have equal temp?

 

it goes about 2/3 up the gauge.

I will check the t-stat housing.

I have not herd the fans kick on at all. However, it is cold outside (30's and 40's)

How do i know if the hoses have equal temp?

 

it is ur thermostat going bad.

 

here is the deal

Now my radiator is starting to leak-ugh!

Top hose is hot

bottom hose is ice cold.

temp is good at idol and low speeds

once it hits about 50, it jumps up bigtime and fast!

 

well the first thing i would do would be to replace that radiator since its leaking. Do NOT buy any stop leak as they are a waste of money. Secondly i would replace BOTH the upper and lower hoses, as well as the thermostat and radiator cap as long as you are doing the job. Finally, make sure you bleed the coolant system when you are done using the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing. This whole job is fairly easy, and should take you around 2 hours max.

 

Also, leave the car running for a while after you are finished, and wait to see if the fans kick on.

 

bought a new radiator-dont really have time to install it today

why is the lower hose cold? upper is very hot (as it should be)

ugh this S@#$ pisses me off! I just bought this car last week as well!


Modified by ejd715 at 3:32 PM 2/18/2008

 

should the bottom radiator hose be cold? the top is very hot.

 

the difference in hose temps is often attributed to your thermostat not working properly. You wouldn't notice anything within the first 10 minutes as during this time the thermostat is usually closed to keep the heat in the motor. The heat would continue to rise if the thermostat isn't opening properly, thus keeping more hot coolant in the block instead of letting it go to the radiator. I might be a bit off as i'm not positive which way the coolant flows in hondas but thats my understanding anyway. I'm not sure I agree that replacing the hoses is necessary. Definitely check them out but unless they're somehow filled with junk i don't know how they'd have anything to do with this other stuff. Do the radiator and thermostat.

To put your temp in perspective my 94lx reads about 1/3 above C on the gauge and I hear thats normal.

 

thats what im thinking-Thermostat isnt letting coolant through, blocking it off to the block and radiator, creating my stupid leak that i now have. So, it looks like i need a thermostat as well (i thought i did to start with, but then this radiator problem came about)

I tried to blead the system at the thermostat, but the bolt screw was way too tight and i didnt have a proper wrench to loosen it.

looks like im taking it to the shop tomorrow-only charing me $85 to install the radiator i bought. I may have to tell them to check and/or replace the t-stat as well.

 

replace the other parts as well, especially the lower hose. it may have become weak in its old age, and is collapsing not allowing coolant to flow through it.