Hello All,

I have an issue with the cooling system in my 1989 Honda CRX SI. What follows is a list of symptoms:

= the vehicle sometimes takes a long time to reach operating temperature.

= Coolant is escaping from the system I have to fill up the radiator every 1.5 weeks or so.

= After driving the vehicle on the freeway, the temp gauge registers normal. However when I shut off the car, I can smell coolant and I see steam escaping from underneath the radiator on the passenger side.

= I have replaced the radiator cap, but this did not restore functionality.

I think the thermostat has gone bad and perhaps its housing is cracked (allowing steam to leak), but I have not inspected it closely.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of issue and what did you do to resolve it? I appreciate everyone's help.

Best

BigTrak

 

is there coolant puddling on the ground. look at everything and check for signs of leakage. your steam would be coolant leaking and steaming off somewhere....so theres a leak coming from somewhere... physically look for it, find it, and fix it. chances are your thermostat is fine ;-)

 

90Rexx

Thanks for responding so quickly. There *is* a small puddle of coolant which collects under the spot where the steam escapes. Sorry for leaving that important symptom out of my original post.

So you think it may likely be a hose or fitting that is leaking? I will check it out.

Thank you again for the help.

 

probobly a hose or your radiator. when i picked up my 90 crx si my radiator was leaking at like 3 different spots... radiators in these things r garbage lol. leaks all the time. just pinpoint the leak and replace whichever hose it is, or the radiator.

 

It certainly could be the radiator -- that component is original equipment. I've had the car since 1995 and have had zero problems with the cooling system. It may have finally started to go south on me.

 

In regards to the radiator, it is probably not a good idea to try and use a "stop leak" product to fix? I've heard that can screw up the entire system.

 

true thats just putting a bandaid on a knife wound..lol
but you can use it as a temporary fix. but you really should drain and refill the coolant after you use that stuff.