1990 Honda Accord Overheating

There's probably nothing wrong with using an aftermarket radiator,but the
TS,I'd go with an OEM part from the dealership.

 

Ivan, for a bit more reinforcement on the radiator, you can
google this group's archives. My recollection is that this
is one component for which people routinely and successfully
go aftermarket.

For sure, use only an OEM thermostat. Also available online
at www.slhonda.com and www.hondaautomotiveparts.com , though
it's cheap enough that with shipping, the dealer should be
competitive with the online sites.

 

Thanks for all input for this problem. Now the problem is fixed by
replacing the rad. What I learnt here is tape water can never be used
for a rad. My rad is only three years new. The mineral dirt builds up
really quick.

 

Well, your real problem was that the water was three years old

Seriously, using tap water and wrong antifreeze is referred to as
Honda-cide on this group.

 

travis here, one question, would a faulty egr valve cause overheating?
when raining, water on my hood evaporates, you can actually see the
steam rising, car is extremely hot and fluid in my radiator is gone
after drivin for 2 days. antifreeze is not cheap. i changed all
belts, timing, alternator, and compressor. replaced the thermostat and
radiator cap, and fluid is to capacity. i have nothing else to check.
help needed.

 

Are your fans coming on properly?
Did you replace your thermostat with an original Honda thermostat?
No abnormal color smoke out of your exhaust?

 

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The system HAS to pressurize, or it will boil off. Rad cap is what
manages that part. Leaks in hoses, block, rad can't be allowed or system
won't pressurize and won't replenish itself from the reservoir when it
cools. Reservoir has to be full to MAX and you have to check it (at
least) every morning when you're having cooling troubles. Fans won't cut
in if there's air in the system because the sensors are FULL IMMERSION
type. Tap water is called HONDACIDE. Honda premix is totally idiot
proof. That's all I know. (I didn't read all the previous posts).

'Curly'