Hi,
I have had my car head gasket replaced, with the recommandation by the mechanic of also changing radiator and fan.
I got the car without these last replacements because I am going abroad for a while so the mechanic wanted to discharge the car.
Anyhow, during the first trip of about 30-40m, at some point the temperature went above half the scale, let's say 3/4 of the max for a while, then down again.
The second trip, of 20 minutes, the temperature kept below half the scale, but at the end I checked the water opening the radiator fan (carefully) and water started to flow out, as well as some vapor.
Is this supposed to happen? The temperature outside is very hot, but I wouldn't expect the car to get that hot. I checked the level in the reservoir and it is almost at the base. How much water is supposed to be in there?
What do you suggest? Replacing fan and radiator?
The car runs well, it is performative, and I have already spent 900+750€ on it.

Thanks.

 

the overflow should be at max line

when opening the rad, it also should be at the top. if you're overheating you might need to bleed the system and test again - maybe your thermostat is also not working you can test it also.

 

Hi,

why do I need to bleed the system. Isn't just enough to refill? I opened the rad after a run and made some liquid go out, btw (I thought there was something wrong, while the water is supposed to be hot and under pressure after a drive).

So, the mechanic said the radiator was cracked and he repaired it, strongly suggesting to put a new radiator in. The car does not seem to overheat, though, apart from once, when it reached 3/4 of the scale.

 

Not necessarily enough for a refill. Methods for purging air from a cooling system vary by design of the vehicle. 4th generation accords have an easy to access bleed "bolt" to ensure all air is purged; located at the highest point of the system. In the 1990 owner's manual (US edition) the location is noted on a diagram along with related instructions on page 90 (printed version - page 91 of a PDF). IIRC it's opened and closed with a 12 mm socket.

 

So I risk having air in the system...

sorry to ask, do you know where I can find the manual for the car? Thanks a lot.

 

All I can be sure of is that the method for the 1990 model works for me, and that it took me some time to expel air out of my '99 Accord which does not have such a 'bleed bolt' (at least I could not find one).

This Honda Owner Link has access to many onwer's manuals, but for the '90 Accord, a section / page at a time, which you can download. For example, here's a direct link to the maintenance section - 9 pages that you can download as one PDF. The cooling system is described on pages 5, 6 and 7.

Most manuals I use regularly I find online at Faxon Auto Literature, besides eBay. Some manuals are available in digitial and/or paper format. Here is a link for the 1990 Accord including useful OEM factory service manuals. You may be able to find pirated PDFs via the usual internet searches.

Kevin