I have a 1998 Honda Civic with an overheating problem. In Sept 2010 I replaced the radiator, thermostat, and hoses. In March 2011 it started to overheat again, and started leaking antifreeze. When I added more coolant, it stopped overheating for several days. The weird thing is the overheating was erratic. My gauge would go up very rapidly and go down to normal rapidly. There was no consistency. I took it in and they replaced two heater hoses and the overflow hose. 4 weeks later and same thing, leaking antifreeze and gauge going up and down rapidly. It even goes down when I turn the corner! In Sept 2011 they said the head gasket was fine, engine was fine. I have no symptoms of a blown head gasket. I called and they told me to bring it in and they will apply what I paid in Sept to the cost of a head gasket and waive they repair fees if it’s the head gasket. My question: about how much will that be? Could it be ANY THING ELSE? This is a very reputable shop. Any ideas?

Thanks so much!

Janie

 

Leaking from where?

 

I don't know, I'm a girl........I just know I have to keep filling it once a week (about a half cup). Until a year ago I never once replaced it, this past year I've gone thru 2 gallons. It's leaking on the ground, does that help? LOL My car doesn't have a single symptom other than a leak.

Thanks so much!

 

is leaking in the front of the engine, driver side, rear of engine or what?

 

It's leaking from under the radiator. Slightly left of the radiator if looking straight at the front of the car.

 

I don't care if you're a girl, dog or martian. That has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

More than likely your radiator or a hose is leaking.

 

Why would it go up and down like it does? Sometime it goes down for days after the it's gone up for a few seconds. Hopefully you are right and it's just a hose. I have a new radiator so I don't think it's that. It's just the erratic up/down that has me stumped. If it were the head gasket, would it go up and down like that?

 

If it has a leak at the bottom what fluid comes out is replaced with air, and you are getting air pockets in the system that create problems like you describe. Someone else will know for sure, but isn't that where the lower radiator hose is? It would be worth checking to see if it's cracked/broken/loose......

 

It is def leaking right???? You can see coolant on the ground say you parked overnight, or since it is low on coolant you assume it is leaking?

If there is a physical leak, then you should be able to track it. They can pressume check it and will expose the leak pretty fast.

 

Yes, it is leaking on the ground. Hopefully it is a hose........just wanted to have a back up plan in case it's the head gasket. My car is old and there is a limit on how much I'm willing to spend if that's it. My poor old car has 233,000 miles on it and has been a good friend......

Thanks so much.

 

I dont think that would be a hose, Im thinking its the overflow tank leaking out the excess fluid and not returning it like you should.

 

Possible, but not likely based on the description of leaking right below the edge of the radiator........

To solve coolant leaks you need to find the high point of the leak and that will point to your source. If it is dry above the lower rad hose, then your problem is that point and below... If it is still wet with coolant above that, then follow it to the source. Coolant leaks are pretty simple to locate.

 

its possible it could be the overflow tank. check your radiator cap. google will help you find pics of what it should look like. also for the ups and downs, try bleeding the system and freeing them of air pockets and bubbles. also check all hose connections

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I really appreciate it!

Janie

 

Have you bled your coolant system?
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showpo...85&postcount=3
Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't a bad radiator cap also cause this?

 

My coolant was bled six weeks ago and my radiator cap is new, I bought it last April. It looks normal, at least when I add antifreeze. I'll just take it in and hope for the best.

Thanks so much to all of you!

Janie

 

Actually, the leak is directly below my overflow/by pass container. I got a new bypass hose 6 weeks ago.........

 

Have it pressure checked, should expose the leak.