I have a 2000 Honda Civic LX. No modifications. 1.6L 4 cylinder. Back in February I started having a problem with overheating. Rather than throw a bunch of parts at it, I had it diagnosed and the head gasket was finally changed in late April. It ran great for about 2 months and started overheating again in July. The thermostat and water pump have both been replaced. I've noticed a bubbling noise coming from the reservoir tank sometimes when I turn the car off. I've also noticed the coolant coming out of the top of the reservoir. I was told this could either be a faulty radiator cap, reservoir, or the head gasket again. Any help? Honestly I need a bigger car so I want to get it fixed and sell it, but can't sell it with it overheating.

 

What did you pay for the head gasket job? Was the job done by a reputable mechanic? Have you returned to the shop to discuss with a manager?

 

The repair was actually done by a friend of my usual mechanic. My mechanic recommended him to me because he was personally too busy to do it when i needed it because I needed it done quickly as it was my only car. Because he was a shade tree mechanic, I paid $150 for labor and bought the parts myself. I realize this could've the issue I'm just not looking to spend an insane amount throwing parts at it and it's still the head gasket.

 

Use a block tester, or just look for lots of bubbles in the radiator when you start the engine COLD with the radiator cap off and rev it. There should be little or no action in the radiator until the engine warms up.

 

Give more details about the past overheating problem.

Also give details about what the shade tree mechanic did and didn't do for job. For example, was the head and block checked for warpage?

 

I can't tell you what he did or didn't do, I wasn't with him so I don't know any more than I've already said. If there are bubbles, does that indicate it's the head gasket again?

 

As for past overheating problems, it would overheat when I was sitting in traffic for a while or if I drove for long distances. Now it's doing the same thing again. Takes about 30-45 minutes of driving before it overheats. Drove it to work this morning which is 35 minutes, and it didn't do it, I guess because it was full and it wasn't that hot at 6am.

 

Sounds like a bad head gasket installation. You get what you pay for.

Start here:

 

I've never had trouble with a shade tree mechanic until now. 😕

 

You got lucky.

 

Yea, guess so. And now I have a car I gotta junk. 😡

 

I'm just giving you my opinion. Do the basic diagnostic tests that mk mentioned. He knows what he's talking about.