I was wondering if a bad radiator cap could cause an overheating issue?

 

i heard it can if there is no spring in it to relieve pressure to the overflow..(actualy causing too much pressure)

 

otherwise no. id blame your tstat.

 

yes it can.
both ends of the failure mode.

not releasing the seal - too much pressure in the system causes something else to fail and leak = can overheat
releasing the seal too early, or no seal - too little pressure, pressurizing the system causes the boiling point of the water/coolant mix to increase, helping with heat removal from the engine. no pressure and the engine can develop air pockets with steam = overheat in the worst way.

it's an easy & cheap swap out just in case that's the issue. If that doesn't fix it, go with thermostat.

 

^^ what he said.

 

shiiit you cant get a better explanation than that.

 

yes it can i have the same problem with my first civic, it has a sprint inside that when it has to much presure it open and take water of the little bottle or return it but when you dont have presurre it get hot, change the cap and problem solve