Dear Experts,

I have a
1996 Honda Accord
2.2 liter VTEC

Normally, when driving the car, the
coolant temperature is fine.
So the radiator and fan are working fine.

But a few times since I've owned the car,
the coolant temperature has got really high,
just below the red zone. Fortunately,
no escape of pressure/fluid.

This overheating occurs in hot summer weather.
During a lot of very slow stop and go
driving on the freeway.

I'm thinking that 1) there is not enough
coolant moving through the radiator.
2) And/or there is not enough air flow
moving through the radiator.

So, I had a thought.

Could I install a more powerful radiator fan,
that moved more air?

At Dorman,

This fan is for my 2.2 liter Honda
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-160...bly&origin=YMM

This fan is for a 3.0 liter Honda
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-244...bly&origin=YMM

Unfortunately, no specs for the fan's airflow


Q:
Assuming the 3.0 liter fan did fit, and the
fan did move more air,
would this fan help in the
overheating situations?


Thanks a lot

 

If you think the the larger one will fit (and that your alternator will support the presumed additional current pull), there is an email techsupport email address on the pages you listed. Ask them for the CFM and amps the parts typically pull.
But before spending money on parts about which you're not certain are failing, I would eliminate the other possible cause you have listed. If the system has crud in it that prevents adequate flow, then eventually, that will be an issue regardless of your speed. I'd also ensure the radiator and A/C condensor fins are not overly clogged as well..

 

the OE fan is capable of maintaining normal coolant temp even if it's 100° F ambient air temp so long as you're not in competition on a race track.

it was already stated that the coolant level may be low. i would start there instead. then confirm the fan cycles on (you can just let it idle with the hood up for about 10 minutes, or jump the fan switch connector with the key in the on position). since it only happens in traffic, you're radiator probably isn't clogged, but you can still have a look.

 

When was the last time a water pump and timing belt were done? It's possible the water pump could be eroded. This is especially common in older vehicles that have had non-distilled water in the coolant system.