92 Civic radiator

After owning my 92 Civic for 2 yrs & the previous owner not mentioning
coolant, I figured it was time to change this. I followed the
instructions in the manual listed online, except couldn't get block bolt
out, so flushed twice with water, then filled with orange DEX type
mentioned in a previous thread. Immediately it developed a slight leak
which has required adding to the overflow tank twice in about 1.5 weeks.
The bottom of the radiator gets wet and a spot forms overnight on the
pavement right under the opening you use to reach the drain valve. I
assume Honda experts do not recommend any kind of "stop leak" material.
Is this correct or what would be the recommendation?

Dail Singleton

 

it may just be the drain valve or d.v. gasket. if not, hunt the problem
down. the stop leak stuff is not a permanent solution.

 

id make sure the drain valve isnt leaking. if it IS the radiator, it
needs to be replaced.

ill bet what happened is the gunge you flushed away was covering a very
slow leak. but at least youre catching it now, rather than in the middle
of a long trip.

id be curious about the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat as well.

 

You need to get under there and verify that your leak is actually coming
from the drain. Its not unusual for the plastic drain cock to leak after
changing the anti-freeze, especially if it has been a really long time
between changes. The rubber o-ring flattens over time and won't seal when
you put it back in.

If it is the drain cock, the parts stores (Autozone, Pepboys, etc.) sell
replacements for a couple dollars. If they don't have the one for your
specific car, you will need to get it from the dealer.

 

Followup:

More than a month later the leak seems to have diminished to
practically nothing. I have added a little coolant to the reservoir 2
more times (I think).

Dail

 

you'll always have a little coolant loss, particularly if you have a new
coolant pump, because the pump seal weeps slightly. other than that,
once the system is fully burped, you'll be set for a good while.