Honda Civic (2001 - 2005) Coupe / Sedan / Hybrid (Includes Acura EL)

Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 12, 2009 | 06:53 PM
  #1  
AutoXer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
From: The Hudson
Icon3 Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Hey all... My Mom stopped by today for Easter brunch, and her temp gauge is running about 3/4 (between normal and overheat.) It's constantly at that level. I filled up the coolant, but that didn't make much difference.

I've replaced the T-stat in my 2000 quite a few times, but it's always overheating or not heating up. I've never had an experience running consistantly hot. What could this be? Anyone have this happen?

Thanks in advance
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2009 | 06:56 PM
  #2  
katzenjammer84's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Thermostat isn't opening, most likely. But the D17 is also known for blown/leaky headgaskets, so that is also a realistic possibility.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2009 | 07:33 PM
  #3  
Curiouz_G's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,327
Likes: 1
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

how many miles are on the car? Its most likely the head gasket.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 03:36 PM
  #4  
zxzxmikexzxz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg, WV
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

If ur losing coolant and running hot, its probly the head gasket
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 05:17 PM
  #5  
AutoXer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
From: The Hudson
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Originally Posted by zxzxmikexzxz
If ur losing coolant and running hot, its probly the head gasket
DAMMIT! It's got over 100K, and it was out of coolant when I looked at it. That would make sense.

What kind of job is this? How much might it run at a dealer / shop?
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 05:02 AM
  #6  
lite1979's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY: Last call 4AM!
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

I would recommend doing it yourself, but please, please, please get new head studs! It'll probably run you about $700 at a shop...
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:32 AM
  #7  
AutoXer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
From: The Hudson
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Originally Posted by lite1979
I would recommend doing it yourself, but please, please, please get new head studs! It'll probably run you about $700 at a shop...
I'm just not sure if I have the time... but I'm not sure how involved it is since I don't have the service manual for this car.

How long of a job is it? Is there a writeup anywhere?
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 02:04 PM
  #8  
timy04civ's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

im looking at doing a head job my self,and having something u can run arnd in mint be a good idea!!! a buddy just got his done at a shop and he paid 1000,so...
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 04:14 PM
  #9  
AutoXer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
From: The Hudson
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Originally Posted by AutoXer
How long of a job is it? Is there a writeup anywhere?
Anyone?
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 04:42 PM
  #10  
zxzxmikexzxz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg, WV
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Ive never found a DIY on a headgasket for d17. If your going to do it yourself youll definitly need a good bit of tools, a garage, and at least a haynes manual. If you dont have any mechanical experiance, i dont recomend doing it yourself, unless youve got some help. Also depending on how long the gasket has been leaking, you may have to have the head resurfaced.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 05:12 PM
  #11  
JDM JETSMAN's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Avon, In, USA
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Just had the same problem on my 03 ex with 110k, got a new head gasket put in at a shop along with a few other things and it was 1500! From what I hear it's pretty rough to DIY, I recommend taking it somewhere.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 10:21 AM
  #12  
AutoXer's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
From: The Hudson
Default Re: Urgent help! Mom's 2003 running hot

Originally Posted by zxzxmikexzxz
youll definitly need a good bit of tools, a garage, and at least a haynes manual. If you dont have any mechanical experiance, i dont recomend doing it yourself, unless youve got some help.
I have no shortage of tools or experience, but I am lacking the manual (and free time.) Since it's not my car, I'd have to do a weekend job of it and I didn't want to get stuck in the middle without some widget remover or such. I guess I'll suck it up and get the factory manual; or just take it to the shop and keep working on my house projects.

Thanks all
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kte324
Tech / Misc
6
Oct 26, 2009 04:37 PM
EKstacy
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
8
Dec 20, 2007 11:57 AM
boostedNOTHARDLY
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
5
Dec 4, 2007 07:27 PM
MIKETIKE143
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
6
May 9, 2006 12:10 PM
dustineck
Forced Induction
1
Oct 25, 2003 04:21 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:11 PM.