ok, ive just spent about 2hrs reading recent and archived post relating to overheating, a lot of problems were the same but i still overheat.

Its a 90 STD D15b1. Ive replaced the thermostat, radiator, hoses. The waterpump was replaced 10k ago. When i first start the car everything is fine(of course) but with a little bit a residential driving it overheats within a few minutes unless i turn the heater on blast. my fan kicks on once the car warms up, thing is it never turns off. even when i shut the car off, let it cool and start it up again, the fan still spins even though the temp is back to normal. The only time the fans not on is when i first start the car in the morning(cold) after that its on when i start the car, regardless.

Some times whem im sitting at a light, the gauge will rise even with the heater on, then as soon as i start driving it drops to normal almost instantly and stays as long as i dont drive a far distance (like 2+miles) with out stopping. if i hit the freeway, with the heater on, in minutes i have to pull over b/c its damn near the red. Theres no bubbles in the system. Im at a loss in what to do. Im throwing CEL: VSS and fuel injector???? ALL help is appreciated. thanks

 

How's the oil level? Are you leaking or burning oil?

 

oil levels fine, burning no oil. zero smoke outta the exhaust...

 

How is the condition of the radiator?

 

replaced with the waterpump about 10k ago

 

This sounds EXACTLY like what was happening to me. I was pulling my hair out for a week swearing up and down that I had everything right until I pulled the thermostat housing off and realized that I had the thermostat in backwards!!

No matter how sure you are, pull that housing off and double check that you have the spring end pointed into the engine.

 

i have a 88 std hatchback, and it overheats too. On mine, the oil light comes on, think it might be the oil pump, does your oil light come on? Becuase this light only comes on when you have low oil pressure

 

the thermostat is in right, checked it 2x already.

My oil light doesnt come on...

 

What about your radiator cap? I once had a overheating problem that was being caused by my cap not sealing. Also have you bled your cooling system for air?

 

the cap is brand new...

what is the pressure or does it matter for the radiator cap? My original cap was 9 lbs. The new one is 13 lbs.? Does it matter?

 

Try this, bypass your heater core and just run a U shaped tubing....then take out your thermostat and see how it reacts. You might have a clogged Heater core (I know that sounds weird but anything is possible) or your radiator just sucks and is clogged really bad......Does your car backfire or not run right? since your throwing the codes 16? About code 17 I'm kinda lost on that but I'd just make sure that your VSS cable and sensor are plugged in all the way

 

thanks for the reply, if i bypass the heater core i cant rely on the heater to save my car from overheating right? I'll try it tomorrow when I don't work. As for the CEL's, the car doesn't backfire, it does however studder when i give it gas below 2k rpms in 2nd 0r 3rd gear. For the VSS, im lost there...everything's as it should be. BIG SIGH* I'm begining to think I need a new project...whats goin on!!

 

Well I decided to remove the radiator and when i removed it about half of the "fins" that face the bumper are GONE! Dude I bought the car from said it was less than 10k old.

 

Dude that really sucks to hear and I know how you feel, My engine blew first day I had it and the seller didn't take any responsibility since he was out of state. he savataged my Car.....Hey at least you know what the problem is now I'd just upgrade radiator anyways since your going to have to