Coolant boiling in reservoir

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Luigi, Feb 24, 2004.

  1. Luigi

    Luigi Guest

    My girlfriend has a 89 civic si, the upper radiator hose blew yesterday so I
    changed it and bleed the air out of the system. At the same time I changed
    the radiator cap. Now after 15min drive, the coolant is boiling in the
    reservoir but the engine is not overheating. The thermostat is two months
    old, the fan is working.

    Anyone know what it could be??
     
    Luigi, Feb 24, 2004
    #1
  2. =======================

    It's just trapped air expanding past the cap and bubbling into the
    expansion tank. When the engine cools down, it will suck some of the
    coolant into the rad and the level in the expansion tank will drop, so
    you must check it tomorrow A.M.

    'curly'

    ===============
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Feb 24, 2004
    #2
  3. Luigi

    electricked Guest

    To get the air out of the cooling system, wait for the engine to cool down
    and remove the radiator cap. Make sure the coolant is level with the bottom
    of the "radiator neck." If not add more coolant and make sure the coolant
    mixture is 50/50). If it's already at the right level or you've filled it
    enough, squeeze the top radiator hose to remove the air from the system and
    also suck in the coolant. If there's air in the coolant system the level of
    the coolant will drop so you have to add more coolant.

    Let us know how it goes.

    --Viktor
     
    electricked, Feb 24, 2004
    #3
  4. Luigi

    Eric Guest

    On of the best ways to bleed the air out of a cooling system on a Honda is
    to use the bleeder valve. On an '89 Civic the bleeder valve is on the top
    of the water pipe bolted to the left side of the head.
     
    Eric, Feb 24, 2004
    #4
  5. Luigi

    T. Nelson Guest

    You received some great advice. I just wanted to add that regardless of
    how you solve the problem--you should check the radiator coolant level
    about once a day (for the next two weeks) when the engine is cold and
    refill it with a 50/50 mixture if it is low. Also, make sure the reservoir
    is about half full. Once you find the level up to the cap for two straght
    days--you won't have to check it anymore--your problem is solved and air
    is now out of the system. Don't feel bad--you would be amazed how many so
    called radiator experts that own or manage radiator shops make this same
    mistake.
     
    T. Nelson, Feb 24, 2004
    #5
  6. Yeah. Change the rad cap.

     
    Stephen Bigelow, Feb 24, 2004
    #6
  7. Luigi

    Luigi Guest

    Thanks everyone,
    I've added some more coolant with the bleeder valve open and
    ran the car for 15min and checked the reservoir, there are still
    some buble but way less. So I suppose that if I keep sufficient
    coolant level in the reservoir the air will be expulsed to the reservoir
    and be replaced with coolant when the engine cools.

    Am I right in my suposition?

    Thanks.
     
    Luigi, Feb 24, 2004
    #7
  8. Luigi

    T. Nelson Guest

    Yes, that is true. However, it's still a good idea to check it when the
    engine is cold for a couple of weeks to make sure the air is out of the
    system. I had this same problem a couple of years ago. I made the mistake
    of believing the owner of the radiator shop that flushed out my cooling
    system knew how to bleed the air of the system.
     
    T. Nelson, Feb 24, 2004
    #8
  9. Luigi

    Ed Guest

    (T. Nelson) wrote in broad-158.snlo.dialup.fix.net:
    If, for some weird reason, you filled the radiator with long life Dexcool
    coolant, be extra sure to remove all air from the system because air will
    cause rust.
     
    Ed, Feb 27, 2004
    #9
  10. Luigi

    Jon Guest

    And make sure you have the heater on when filling the radiator. Thats
    the source of air in the majority of cases. Air can also be dissolved in
    the water, depending on temperature, so check after letting it cool
    that it has gaased of and filled those points where it collects. Rev the
    engine slightly to move it about while having the bleeder open. Make
    sure it isnts too hot > Burns are common. Best to have a drink of coffee
    while waiting for it too cool down. Unless you like pain!!! grin!!
     
    Jon, Mar 5, 2004
    #10
  11. Luigi

    GusTheCat Guest

    Your radiator cap was shot, even though there is no change in
    appearance.

    Go to GI Joes and buy a new one for 10 bucks and that should fix it.
     
    GusTheCat, Nov 19, 2004
    #11
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