92 Accord Engine Cooling Problem?

Hello All!

I have a 92 Accord LX at 150k+ miles. About 2 months back, I had a new
radiator installed. A couple of days back, I noticed that after driving for
15-20 minutes, the temperature gauge would slowly start rising to the
maximum. I thought this could be due to the engine oil, so I got an oil
change today (which was due anyway). Next thing I notice when driving is
that the same problem is occurring.

I then realised that it doesn't happen when I'm driving at regular speeds,
but occurs at low speeds of 10-20 mph or when idling. And when I shut the
car off, I can hear the fan going on for 2-5 minutes, cooling down the
engine.

Has anyone had this problem or have a clue/suggestion? I'd really appreciate
it.

Thanks

 

I'd try putting another thermostat in. They can sometimes be flaky.

Idler

 

I'd try putting another thermostat in. They can sometimes be flaky.

Idler

 

Does the radiator fan come on when the engine is on??

 

Does the radiator fan come on when the engine is on??

 

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

With engine cool, open radiator cap and make sure it's full to the very
top, then make sure expansion tank is half-full. You didn't mention that
you checked this, but it's the first thing mentioned in your fine
Owner's manual.

'Curly'

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

 

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

With engine cool, open radiator cap and make sure it's full to the very
top, then make sure expansion tank is half-full. You didn't mention that
you checked this, but it's the first thing mentioned in your fine
Owner's manual.

'Curly'

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

 

I agree with both of the intelligent posters--it could be a defective
thermostat or not enough water in the radiator. Many people that work on
radiators fail to follow the proper steps in refilling the radiator and
cooling system. They just fill up the radiator and put on the cap. After
you drive such a vehicle--you will have all sorts of problems since there
is not enough water in the system.
The best thing to do is wait until the engine has cooled down for several
hours or more--such as early in the morning before you drive it. Open the
radiator cap and check it. If there is no water in the system, fill it up.
Leave the cap off of it and start the car. Have a container in your hand
that contains at least a gallon of water. Watch the water level in the
radiator--if it goes down--add more water. Continue watching the water
level and refilling as needed for about 20 minutes. Once you are sure that
the water level remains constant for at least 10 or more minutes--place
the cap back on it and make sure it is tight. Also, fill the overflow
container about half way. Drive the vehicle as needed for the rest of the
day and night. Just to be on the safe side, check the water level of the
radiator the following morning. This should solve your problem--at least I
hope so.

 

I agree with both of the intelligent posters--it could be a defective
thermostat or not enough water in the radiator. Many people that work on
radiators fail to follow the proper steps in refilling the radiator and
cooling system. They just fill up the radiator and put on the cap. After
you drive such a vehicle--you will have all sorts of problems since there
is not enough water in the system.
The best thing to do is wait until the engine has cooled down for several
hours or more--such as early in the morning before you drive it. Open the
radiator cap and check it. If there is no water in the system, fill it up.
Leave the cap off of it and start the car. Have a container in your hand
that contains at least a gallon of water. Watch the water level in the
radiator--if it goes down--add more water. Continue watching the water
level and refilling as needed for about 20 minutes. Once you are sure that
the water level remains constant for at least 10 or more minutes--place
the cap back on it and make sure it is tight. Also, fill the overflow
container about half way. Drive the vehicle as needed for the rest of the
day and night. Just to be on the safe side, check the water level of the
radiator the following morning. This should solve your problem--at least I
hope so.

 

This car and most Hondas have a nifty bleed valve at the stat housing.
I have a four foot long piece of vinyl hose that fits over the tip of
the fitting. After filling the radiator, crack the valve and fit the
hose on the fitting. Watch the fluid-air mixture till all the air is out
of the system. Tighten the fitting and make sure the radiator and
overflow are filled to the right levels.
While bleeding the system, I catch the outflow from the tubing and put
it into the expansion tank. bob

 

This car and most Hondas have a nifty bleed valve at the stat housing.
I have a four foot long piece of vinyl hose that fits over the tip of
the fitting. After filling the radiator, crack the valve and fit the
hose on the fitting. Watch the fluid-air mixture till all the air is out
of the system. Tighten the fitting and make sure the radiator and
overflow are filled to the right levels.
While bleeding the system, I catch the outflow from the tubing and put
it into the expansion tank. bob

 

You are a genius. It seems that, according to my dad, the guy who put in the
new radiayor didn't put in enough coolant and didn't run the radiator for
about 10 minutes to "condition" it and get it all filled up. In the last two
months, since i got the new radiator, i had hardly used the car for the
first month and half; have been using it more for the last 3 weeks. i guess
this is why the problem showed up. anyways, have put in enough water, will
see for next few days. then will drain the radiator and put in a 50/50
mixture.

i feel stupid as was checking out the cooling fans, thermostat, what nots,
when all it was a case of an incompletely-filled radiator.

 

You are a genius. It seems that, according to my dad, the guy who put in the
new radiayor didn't put in enough coolant and didn't run the radiator for
about 10 minutes to "condition" it and get it all filled up. In the last two
months, since i got the new radiator, i had hardly used the car for the
first month and half; have been using it more for the last 3 weeks. i guess
this is why the problem showed up. anyways, have put in enough water, will
see for next few days. then will drain the radiator and put in a 50/50
mixture.

i feel stupid as was checking out the cooling fans, thermostat, what nots,
when all it was a case of an incompletely-filled radiator.

 

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

Andy,

Please don't use water only in your Honda, and certainly don't use tap
water EVER. It will eat the nuts off a JEEP, and rinse the lubricants
out of your water pump seal, which will leak into the bearing, which
will sieze the bearing, which will shred the timing belt, which will
destroy the engine when the valves meet the pistons in a most forceful
way.

Read your manual.

'Curly'

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

 

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

Andy,

Please don't use water only in your Honda, and certainly don't use tap
water EVER. It will eat the nuts off a JEEP, and rinse the lubricants
out of your water pump seal, which will leak into the bearing, which
will sieze the bearing, which will shred the timing belt, which will
destroy the engine when the valves meet the pistons in a most forceful
way.

Read your manual.

'Curly'

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