Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still no
joy.

Now saying head gasket.

Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?

G-Man

 

G-Man wrote:
>
> Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still no
> joy.
>
> Now saying head gasket.
>
> Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
>
> G-Man

===========================

Is the radiator and reservoir maintaining their levels of coolant?

Are the radiator fans ever coming on.

If your head gasket is shot, there could be coolant in the oil, white
clouds of smoke / steam coming out the tailpipe, and /or oil in the
coolant.

Above all, make sure your son keeps the cooling system topped up
correctly.

Also, please tell us the symptoms of 'overheating'.

'Curly'

 

It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over. It
doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.

Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching the
red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the temp
back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.

No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
dipstick.

The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.

Both hoses top/bottom are hot.



"'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
news:407AD2E4.DBCC0CDF@interbaun.com...
> G-Man wrote:
> >
> > Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still
no
> > joy.
> >
> > Now saying head gasket.
> >
> > Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
> >
> > G-Man
>
> ===========================
>
> Is the radiator and reservoir maintaining their levels of coolant?
>
> Are the radiator fans ever coming on.
>
> If your head gasket is shot, there could be coolant in the oil, white
> clouds of smoke / steam coming out the tailpipe, and /or oil in the
> coolant.
>
> Above all, make sure your son keeps the cooling system topped up
> correctly.
>
> Also, please tell us the symptoms of 'overheating'.
>
> 'Curly'

 

I have a similar problem with my 87 Prelude! The dealer said to replace the
timing belt and the water pump. It is not time to replace the timing belt.
The water pump has never been replaced but it seems to work fine!!! Mine
goes to about 80% but never to the red. It usually happens when idling in
traffic. The fan used to come up at 50% and turn on after I shut down the
engine. But now it come on at 80%. I have one eye on traffic another on
the gages!!! I replaced the fan switch but that did not help!!!!!

"G-Man" <g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:107m66erjf63289@news.supernews.com...
> It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over. It
> doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
>
> Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching
the
> red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the
temp
> back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
>
> No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> dipstick.
>
> The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
>
> Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
>
>
>
> "'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
> news:407AD2E4.DBCC0CDF@interbaun.com...
> > G-Man wrote:
> > >
> > > Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged.
Still
> no
> > > joy.
> > >
> > > Now saying head gasket.
> > >
> > > Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
> > >
> > > G-Man
> >
> > ===========================
> >
> > Is the radiator and reservoir maintaining their levels of coolant?
> >
> > Are the radiator fans ever coming on.
> >
> > If your head gasket is shot, there could be coolant in the oil, white
> > clouds of smoke / steam coming out the tailpipe, and /or oil in the
> > coolant.
> >
> > Above all, make sure your son keeps the cooling system topped up
> > correctly.
> >
> > Also, please tell us the symptoms of 'overheating'.
> >
> > 'Curly'
>
>

 

You said you replaced the fan switch. You mean the thermal switch that is
in with the thermostat? That would be what is controlling the temp that it
comes on at. It's a cheap item, I'd start there. I'm still going to
replace my thermal switch even if it needs a head gasket as I want it to
come on before the RED.

G-Man


"Tall Guy CA" <TallGuyCA@NO_SPAM.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:R2Fec.50856$9F1.10642@newssvr25.news.prodigy. com...
> I have a similar problem with my 87 Prelude! The dealer said to replace
the
> timing belt and the water pump. It is not time to replace the timing
belt.
> The water pump has never been replaced but it seems to work fine!!! Mine
> goes to about 80% but never to the red. It usually happens when idling in
> traffic. The fan used to come up at 50% and turn on after I shut down the
> engine. But now it come on at 80%. I have one eye on traffic another on
> the gages!!! I replaced the fan switch but that did not help!!!!!
>
> "G-Man" <g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:107m66erjf63289@news.supernews.com...
> > It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over.
It
> > doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
> >
> > Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching
> the
> > red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the
> temp
> > back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
> >
> > No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> > dipstick.
> >
> > The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
> >
> > Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
> >
> >
> >
> > "'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
> > news:407AD2E4.DBCC0CDF@interbaun.com...
> > > G-Man wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged.
> Still
> > no
> > > > joy.
> > > >
> > > > Now saying head gasket.
> > > >
> > > > Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
> > > >
> > > > G-Man
> > >
> > > ===========================
> > >
> > > Is the radiator and reservoir maintaining their levels of coolant?
> > >
> > > Are the radiator fans ever coming on.
> > >
> > > If your head gasket is shot, there could be coolant in the oil, white
> > > clouds of smoke / steam coming out the tailpipe, and /or oil in the
> > > coolant.
> > >
> > > Above all, make sure your son keeps the cooling system topped up
> > > correctly.
> > >
> > > Also, please tell us the symptoms of 'overheating'.
> > >
> > > 'Curly'
> >
> >
>
>

 

G-Man wrote:
>
> It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over. It
> doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
>
> Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching the
> red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the temp
> back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
>
> No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> dipstick.
>
> The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
>
> Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
>

========================

I think we're finally getting somewhere... Your system isn't building
pressure, so you may just need a new rad cap. That's probably why it's
not pulling the coolant back in either.

A presurized system boils at a much higher temp, and having steam inside
your system throws off the fan switch and the thermostat (both must be
emmersed to work, just like an emmersion thermometer) Even your temp
gauge won't read correctly if your coolant is boiling. . .

'Curly'

===============

 

With the engine coolant cool, open radiator cap and look at the
coolant, is it green or gray? Oil in the coolant turns the coolant to
gray. Run the engine and look for air bubbles...a cracked block or
blown head gasket can blow air into the coolant....I am talking about
below boiling temperature. Is there an air vent valve to bleed the air
out of the coolant on the high point of the engine? If so bleed the
air out of the coolant.

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:58:10 -0600, "'Curly Q. Links'"
<motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote:

>G-Man wrote:
>>
>> It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over. It
>> doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
>>
>> Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching the
>> red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the temp
>> back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
>>
>> No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
>> dipstick.
>>
>> The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
>>
>> Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
>>
>
>========================
>
>I think we're finally getting somewhere... Your system isn't building
>pressure, so you may just need a new rad cap. That's probably why it's
>not pulling the coolant back in either.
>
>A presurized system boils at a much higher temp, and having steam inside
>your system throws off the fan switch and the thermostat (both must be
>emmersed to work, just like an emmersion thermometer) Even your temp
>gauge won't read correctly if your coolant is boiling. . .
>
>'Curly'
>
>===============

 

Replaced cap (sorry, left that out).

Coolant is a nice green.

Will check the air blowing in the radiator today.



"Charlie S" <chasa@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:0aqm70ppa9l3smpdbsk59gg9b8ts9t6teu@4ax.com...
> With the engine coolant cool, open radiator cap and look at the
> coolant, is it green or gray? Oil in the coolant turns the coolant to
> gray. Run the engine and look for air bubbles...a cracked block or
> blown head gasket can blow air into the coolant....I am talking about
> below boiling temperature. Is there an air vent valve to bleed the air
> out of the coolant on the high point of the engine? If so bleed the
> air out of the coolant.
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:58:10 -0600, "'Curly Q. Links'"
> <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote:
>
> >G-Man wrote:
> >>
> >> It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over.
It
> >> doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
> >>
> >> Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching
the
> >> red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the
temp
> >> back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
> >>
> >> No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> >> dipstick.
> >>
> >> The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
> >>
> >> Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
> >>
> >
> >========================
> >
> >I think we're finally getting somewhere... Your system isn't building
> >pressure, so you may just need a new rad cap. That's probably why it's
> >not pulling the coolant back in either.
> >
> >A presurized system boils at a much higher temp, and having steam inside
> >your system throws off the fan switch and the thermostat (both must be
> >emmersed to work, just like an emmersion thermometer) Even your temp
> >gauge won't read correctly if your coolant is boiling. . .
> >
> >'Curly'
> >
> >===============
>

 

I think the fan switch is located under the radiator. I do not know where
the thermostat is located in 87 prelude SI but that is my next step.

"G-Man" <g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:107m8llpv0frr9a@news.supernews.com...
> You said you replaced the fan switch. You mean the thermal switch that is
> in with the thermostat? That would be what is controlling the temp that
it
> comes on at. It's a cheap item, I'd start there. I'm still going to
> replace my thermal switch even if it needs a head gasket as I want it to
> come on before the RED.
>
> G-Man
>
>
> "Tall Guy CA" <TallGuyCA@NO_SPAM.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:R2Fec.50856$9F1.10642@newssvr25.news.prodigy. com...
> > I have a similar problem with my 87 Prelude! The dealer said to replace
> the
> > timing belt and the water pump. It is not time to replace the timing
> belt.
> > The water pump has never been replaced but it seems to work fine!!!
Mine
> > goes to about 80% but never to the red. It usually happens when idling
in
> > traffic. The fan used to come up at 50% and turn on after I shut down
the
> > engine. But now it come on at 80%. I have one eye on traffic another
on
> > the gages!!! I replaced the fan switch but that did not help!!!!!
> >
> > "G-Man" <g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:107m66erjf63289@news.supernews.com...
> > > It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over.
> It
> > > doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
> > >
> > > Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably
touching
> > the
> > > red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls
the
> > temp
> > > back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
> > >
> > > No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> > > dipstick.
> > >
> > > The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
> > >
> > > Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
> > > news:407AD2E4.DBCC0CDF@interbaun.com...
> > > > G-Man wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged.
> > Still
> > > no
> > > > > joy.
> > > > >
> > > > > Now saying head gasket.
> > > > >
> > > > > Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
> > > > >
> > > > > G-Man
> > > >
> > > > ===========================
> > > >
> > > > Is the radiator and reservoir maintaining their levels of coolant?
> > > >
> > > > Are the radiator fans ever coming on.
> > > >
> > > > If your head gasket is shot, there could be coolant in the oil,
white
> > > > clouds of smoke / steam coming out the tailpipe, and /or oil in the
> > > > coolant.
> > > >
> > > > Above all, make sure your son keeps the cooling system topped up
> > > > correctly.
> > > >
> > > > Also, please tell us the symptoms of 'overheating'.
> > > >
> > > > 'Curly'
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

 

Charlie S <chasa@rcn.com> wrote in message news:<0aqm70ppa9l3smpdbsk59gg9b8ts9t6teu@4ax.com>. ..
> With the engine coolant cool, open radiator cap and look at the
> coolant, is it green or gray? Oil in the coolant turns the coolant to
> gray. Run the engine and look for air bubbles...a cracked block or
> blown head gasket can blow air into the coolant....I am talking about
> below boiling temperature. Is there an air vent valve to bleed the air
> out of the coolant on the high point of the engine? If so bleed the
> air out of the coolant.
>
> On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:58:10 -0600, "'Curly Q. Links'"
> <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote:
>
> >G-Man wrote:
> >>
> >> It climbs to the RED, the coolant catch tank is bubbling coolant over. It
> >> doesn't seem to pull the coolant from the catch tank.
> >>
> >> Fan only comes on when it's amlost in the red. Okay, probably touching the
> >> red. We keep topping it off. It keeps spitting it out. Fan pulls the temp
> >> back down, but doesn't kick on again until red.
> >>
> >> No exhaust smoke or strangeness in the oil as far as what is on the
> >> dipstick.
> >>
> >> The coolant in the catch tank seems clean.
> >>
> >> Both hoses top/bottom are hot.
> >>
> >
> >========================
> >
> >I think we're finally getting somewhere... Your system isn't building
> >pressure, so you may just need a new rad cap. That's probably why it's
> >not pulling the coolant back in either.
> >
> >A presurized system boils at a much higher temp, and having steam inside
> >your system throws off the fan switch and the thermostat (both must be
> >emmersed to work, just like an emmersion thermometer) Even your temp
> >gauge won't read correctly if your coolant is boiling. . .
> >
> >'Curly'
> >
> >===============

Check EVERYTHING else before you do the head gasket. This was
happening to my car and I spent $900 for head gasket/thermostat and
that didn't fix the problem. Obviously, it's something cheaper.

John

 

"Tall Guy CA" <TallGuyCA@NO_SPAM.yahoo.com> wrote in
news:qxTec.22150$gy7.16373@newssvr27.news.prodigy. com:

> I think the fan switch is located under the radiator. I do not know
> where the thermostat is located in 87 prelude SI but that is my next
> step.
>

The fan switch(engine coolant temp sensor) on my 94 Integra GSR is on the
thermostat housing,close to the engine.



--
Jim Yanik
jyanik-at-kua.net

 

John McConnell wrote:

> Check EVERYTHING else before you do the head gasket. This was
> happening to my car and I spent $900 for head gasket/thermostat and
> that didn't fix the problem. Obviously, it's something cheaper.
>
> John

Sorry to say this, but the head gasket should be the very last thing to
replace when trying to fix a car when there isn't a clear evidence
that's where the fault is. I used to have an old 86 Camry that would
overheat in the same circumstances, and when I took it to Canadian Tire
the first thing they wanted to do was replace the head gasket for
CAD$1500 (CAD$1=US75c). It turned out to be a clogged, leaky radiator
which only cost me CAD$200 for a new one, including installation.

In the worst case scenario when avoiding changing the head gasket you'll
replace other minor components that probably needed replacement anyway.

Cosmin

 

Can you tell if anti freeze is in the oil?

It could be the water pump. a water pump can
break without totally failing, seizing, or leaking.
If the impellers are worn badly, the water does not
go through good. i have had this happen on
a mustang. when i took the water pump off my
crx, it was still going, but man, it was worn inside
almost to nothing.
If it is your head, there should be white yuck in
your oil. Obviously you already replaced the
thermostat (?)

"G-Man" <somebody@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:107lb5a2u64gg39@news.supernews.com...
> Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still
no
> joy.
>
> Now saying head gasket.
>
> Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
>
> G-Man
>
>

 

Yes, replaced the thermostat. Oil was dirty on the stick, but nothing
unusual. Water Pump replaced along with Timing Belt last November. Only 3k
on it.

G-Man


"Condor" <condorski@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:5dlfc.7122$l75.2509@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
> Can you tell if anti freeze is in the oil?
>
> It could be the water pump. a water pump can
> break without totally failing, seizing, or leaking.
> If the impellers are worn badly, the water does not
> go through good. i have had this happen on
> a mustang. when i took the water pump off my
> crx, it was still going, but man, it was worn inside
> almost to nothing.
> If it is your head, there should be white yuck in
> your oil. Obviously you already replaced the
> thermostat (?)
>
> "G-Man" <somebody@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:107lb5a2u64gg39@news.supernews.com...
> > Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still
> no
> > joy.
> >
> > Now saying head gasket.
> >
> > Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
> >
> > G-Man
> >
> >
>
>

 

Did this problem by any chance start right after the timing belt
replacement? Timing could be off by one belt tooth & that would be enough
to cause overheating.

On 4/14/04 9:37 PM, in article 107rt6i8j2q9o29@news.supernews.com, "G-Man"
<g_foreman@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Yes, replaced the thermostat. Oil was dirty on the stick, but nothing
> unusual. Water Pump replaced along with Timing Belt last November. Only 3k
> on it.
>
> G-Man
>
>
> "Condor" <condorski@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> news:5dlfc.7122$l75.2509@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
>> Can you tell if anti freeze is in the oil?
>>
>> It could be the water pump. a water pump can
>> break without totally failing, seizing, or leaking.
>> If the impellers are worn badly, the water does not
>> go through good. i have had this happen on
>> a mustang. when i took the water pump off my
>> crx, it was still going, but man, it was worn inside
>> almost to nothing.
>> If it is your head, there should be white yuck in
>> your oil. Obviously you already replaced the
>> thermostat (?)
>>
>> "G-Man" <somebody@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:107lb5a2u64gg39@news.supernews.com...
>>> Still overheating. They replaced radiator saying it was clogged. Still
>> no
>>> joy.
>>>
>>> Now saying head gasket.
>>>
>>> Any guesses on what I'm looking at for a head gasket replacement?
>>>
>>> G-Man
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>