1991 Accord Water Pump

I have a 91 Accord, auto. It will not stop overheating. I've switched:
the front temp switch, the coolant temp sensor, adjusted timing,
flushed it, put in new coolant twice, put in new thermostat (even took
it out at this point, still overheats). The only things I haven't done
are: the rear temp switch, water pump, and radiator.

When I start driving it, it will run normally for about 10-25 minutes.
After its warmed up with the temperature about halfway, it will stay
that way for another 5-8 min. Then it gets to about 2/3 of the way on
the gauge and will stay that way for another 5-8 min. After that, it
will progressively get hotter (which I never let it do). If I turn the
heater on, it will cool the engine from 3/4 temperature, all the way
down to 1/2 way at Normal operating temperature, and eventually will
climb back up to 2/3 of the way. Anyone got any suggestions?

 

I'd be thinking clogged wore out radiator, or the water pump
impeller is corroded away and not pumping much water. I'd probably
yank the hose and see how the flow is. If it's pushing water at a
normal
flow, I'd be thinking radiator. They can look ok peering in the top,
but be real clogged up. In a case like that, a new or rebuilt radiator
can make a huge difference. Normally, you should never overheat in
most any situtation. My temp gauge never moves from it's warmed
up appx 1/3 level no matter if I'm moving or sitting still idling for a

while. .It's like it's glued in place. Which is good... Thats the
way I want it..
MK

 

Have you checked for signs of a blown head gasket? They have
been very common this summer...

Google for same and you will find much discussion of how to
check.

 

Most likely, a plugged radiator. In the old days, "rodding" the core
was a relatively simple service but the modern plastic junk is a toss up
and often, replacement is the best option. BTW, the giveaway was the
fact that running the heater cooled the system down.

JT

 

When over heated, look for bubbling in the radiator overflow bottle. If it
is, you have a blown head gasket. Same thing on a '94 civic I had.

G-Man

 

Are the fans running? Sounds very much like the problems I have had in the
past when the cooling fans stopped operating...

--
Joseph M. LaVigne

http://www.thelavignefamily.us/MyPipePages/ - 9/4/2006 1:14:13 AM
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Although I would not rule out a bad head gasket out of hand, I am in the
camp that feels the radiator isn't getting rid of the heat. From what you
describe coolant flow is okay.

I am with Joe - make sure the radiator fan is running. If that's okay, take
a hose with a squirt nozzle and spray from the backside of the radiator to
the front, then from the front to the back. Sometimes dirt and bugs will
plug the airflow that much. Still no go? I'd recommend looking hard at
replacing the radiator. If it is the original, it is overdue for developing
cracks in the header anyway.

Mike