i attached my Snap-On car computer scanner to my prelude and noticed that the radiator fluid temperature was at around 215 degrees Fahrenheit. I figured this was higher than normal operating temperature and since summer's here and I just bought the car, i figured i'd go ahead and service the radiator. i flushed it and changed thermostat (why's it so expensive?) and checked the temperature again. it still hovers around 215 degrees. is this normal? what's the average/ideal temperature that the radiator fluid should be?

 

no, 160-170.

 

i changed out all the fluid and the thermostat. what could be the reason for my engine running so hot?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kal &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no, 160-170.</TD></TR></TABLE>
ROFL, that's not normal.

200-210 is the usual range, how old is the car?

 

okay good. yeah 160-170 seemed way too cool. the thermostat opens around 170-180. the car is a 97 prelude base. anyway, i figured out the problem. leaking fluid near the thermostat. i took it off and put RTV sealant around it and made sure it didn't leak. topped it off (a lot leaked out!) and went for a test drive. i had my snap-on handheld car scanner while driving around and temp stayed around 190-200. it's around 80 degrees outside. so basically it's all good now. the fans turn on when the temp goes above 208 degrees. thanks for the help, gentlemen.

 

haha whoops. sorry
i just read what i posted.. i think i was asleep or something.

 

200-220 is where it usually sits