Hi guys looking for some advice. I currently am running a B18B LS motor in my ef hatch. I am having slight overheating issues sitting in traffic. It generally never gets quite to H but almost there. It has happened twice now and I am ready to fix the problem before it progresses. Some background info on my engine and cooling system. Engine has around 100k. Water pump looks new but who knows. Engine compression is perfect at 205ish psi across all 4. I'm sure its stock head gasket that hasn't been touched. When the first overheating problem happened I turned the car off immediately and that day flushed the system, added a aluminum radiator and new thermostat. Also wired in my fan to run at the key turn. But today sitting in traffic ( 20+ mins barely moving) the temp gauge started creeping up to H. Turned car off, let it cool off 30+ mins and drove it home when the traffic cleared. What are my next steps? I know my radiator is a half rad out of an EG. If I got a dual thick full size rad would that help? Should I replace my water pump? Run no thermostat or is it head gasket time? Coolant and oil aren't mixing but I do burn a bit of oil and smoke when accelerating.

Picture of my engine

 

Bleed the system again... if that doesn't help, install a new OEM thermostat installed. No pep boys/parts store crap.

The honda thermostats react completely different.... and usually run a lot cooler.

I had overheating problems on my turbo setup... honda OEM thermostat fixed my problems completely.

 

Whats the quickest way to bleed a B series. Should I run no thermostat in the mean time until OEM one and rubber gasket comes in?

 

Yea just bleed the coolant wait till the car is cold like in the morning take off the radiator cap, jack the front up, start the engine set the heater on full blast and let the car warm up to temp, this is where having your fan switch wired in correctly comes into play, usually whrn the engine is at full temp the fans will kick on, once the bubbles have stop coming out the radiator you can put the radiator cap back on. keep a funnel in the radiator fill hole so coolant doesnt spill out as much, wrap a rag around the base to catch overflowing coolant. make sure both top and bottom hoses are hot and you should be good.

​​​​​​​Sounds like your fans got fried and werent on when you were in traffic causing you to over heat slightly..

 

just bled mine, what a p.i.t.a.
helps if you park on an incline and squeeze the hoses.
get the funnel, mine is clear which is very helpful.
got mine from true blue parts:


lots of good heplful comments there too.
i also noticed more air coming out when i did 2500 rpm for 30 sec then idle for 30 sec.
it can be a long slog just keep at it.

 

another option :


a bit pricey and someone here didnt like it. you could always rent out when done.