As the title states, is it possible for a car to run too cold? I recently got a c&r radiator and since then, it doesn't warm up. At a stop it does, but once i get going at all, could it be possible the radiator fins are cooling so efficiently that my temp starts to drop. Could running this cold be bad for my motor? It also sucks cause my iacv never chills the **** out, its annoying cause when i pull up next to a cop, I have to put it in first and let up the clutch until it grabs just enough to drop the rpms, anyone else deal with this?


Modified by 96b18c at 10:28 AM 12/3/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 96b18c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... but once i get going at all, the radiator fins are cooling so efficiently that my temp starts to drop...</TD></TR></TABLE>Or maybe your thermostat doesn't close all the way?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JimBlake &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Or maybe your thermostat doesn't close all the way?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I concur on that, try replacing that and then report back. If your thermostat stays open like they do when they go bad, then your coolant flow is always open wide, the thermostat is supposed to limit coolant flow to allow the engine to reach operating temps. And sometime the stick shut limiting coolant flow, and causing the motor to overheat.

 

I considered this, but right before I put in the radiator, the thermostat was working fine, and if i'm at a stop and let it idle for a while or if i'm in traffic, then how come it warms up, if it is the thermostat, which one should I get? Are there aftermarket ones at napa, or stick with oem? Also should I get one that opens up later instead of one like the mugen that opens sooner?

Thanks

 

It warms up when you stop because there isn't air flow over the radiator to cool it down. When you replace the thermostat, get OEM. It's only about $15, and it's cheap insurance if it hasn't been replaced yet or to solve the problem.

 

I concur with the getting of a new thermostat.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 96b18c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It also sucks cause my iacv never chills the **** out</TD></TR></TABLE>

i forgot the name of it so this might be a waste of time but...

theres this (no quoting allowed) valve thing on the distributor side of your intake manifold, it has 2 coolant hoses running to it, and takes 3 bolts 1 on top, 2 on the bottom... take off the hoses, plug the in/front hose cause it will leak coolant.. unbolt it from the manifold, when you have it off take 2 little screws off the top of it, inside is a plastic valve, i know when my car idles like you described the cause is this valve backing/unscrewing itself... so screw it back down snug and bolt it all back together and it should run great! .. if not, goodluck!

 

if it is the thermostat, then how come it still warms up without overheating (so it couldn't be stuck closed) at idle for a long period of time, the temp will reach its norm and stay there till I start moving. If it was stuck open than shouldn't it stay cold even at a stop?

 

check your all your grounds

 

i dunno if other 95 accords with the vtec do this, but mine only warms up to like 1/4 of the way (below half way) all of the time and just stays there even after driving. it doesnt go any higher

 

get a radiator cap that lowers the pressure because that'll lower the boiling point of your coolant making it hotter then your radiator has more work to do
thats if its not your thermostat.....


Modified by ctr610 at 9:50 PM 12/10/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 96b18c &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if it is the thermostat, then how come it still warms up without overheating (so it couldn't be stuck closed) at idle for a long period of time, the temp will reach its norm and stay there till I start moving. If it was stuck open than shouldn't it stay cold even at a stop?</TD></TR></TABLE>

no, if your not moving there is no air that flow. therefor the colland will be cooled. But, when your sitting still, if the coolant temp gets to hot the fan will come on and cool it down to normal temp.

sounds like your thermostat, replace it!