coolant leak 1990 accord

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Vlad Ciubotariu, Apr 7, 2008.

  1. Hi all,

    My car leaks a little bit of coolant. It comes out somewhere under the
    engine. The radiator is full. I had a timing belt/ water pump change last
    year at the honda dealer.

    If the radiator is full, could it still be a leak in the radiator? I just
    hope it's not something expensive to fix. Could you give me some feedback?

    thanks,
    vlad
     
    Vlad Ciubotariu, Apr 7, 2008
    #1
  2. Vlad Ciubotariu

    motsco_ Guest

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

    Reservoir has to be full to MAX mark or engine will boil over a lot
    since fans won't cut in due to AIR in system..
    Reach underneath and wipe off everything with damp rag. Later, see
    what's wet., Report back.

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_, Apr 8, 2008
    #2
  3. Vlad Ciubotariu

    vcciubot Guest

    I've been adding coolant to the reservoir. And the radiator is always
    full to the top. Even when I leave it overnight.
    So I guess, it can't be the radiator, right?

    My problem is that I can't look underneath unless I bring it to a
    mechanic but I think there's no other way so that I shall do.

    thanks for you help
    vlad
     
    vcciubot, Apr 8, 2008
    #3
  4. Vlad Ciubotariu

    jim beam Guest


    as curly says, you need to identify the location. without that, we can
    only guess. and if you just show up at a mechanic with an undefined
    problem you could end up with an undefinably large bill to pay.
     
    jim beam, Apr 8, 2008
    #4

  5. Is it an original radiator? My '90 accord developed a split in the
    upper chamber on the front side of the OEM composite radiator that
    would leak only under pressure (temperature). Because it was on the
    front side, the actual leak was hidden by the grill/frame, and it took
    a while to find it. Noticed small puddle under the car and some
    bounce back to the motor which threw me off.

    The fix for me was to replace the radiator.

    Frank
     
    Frank Boettcher, Apr 8, 2008
    #5
  6. Vlad Ciubotariu

    vcciubot Guest

    I think it's the original radiator judging by the deposits I noticed
    after topping it a few weeks ago.
    I booked an appointment to lift her up and see where it's coming from,
    I will post back.

    thanks,
    vlad
     
    vcciubot, Apr 8, 2008
    #6
  7. Vlad Ciubotariu

    TE Chea Guest

    | comes out somewhere under the engine.
    Put a big sheet of paper under engine, see where leak is (
    above where paper is wet ).
     
    TE Chea, Apr 9, 2008
    #7
  8. I had the problem diagnosed and solved. It was the thermostat housing,
    deposits around there prevented it from sealing properly. Cost me 0.7
    hours labour.

    Thanks to all who replied!

    vlad
     
    Vlad Ciubotariu, Apr 9, 2008
    #8
  9. Vlad Ciubotariu

    nick Guest

    And you couldn't see this leak from the top? .7 hrs of labor is
    reasonable but I would have done that myself and save the $70.
     
    nick, Apr 12, 2008
    #9
  10. Nope, you could not see it from the top. On the day I went there was no
    fluid under the car. They were able to see a few drops around the housing
    hose after lifting it up and pressurizing the system with a pump.

    The puddle began to form only very recently. Previously, I had topped the
    coolant but I could never see it leaking.

    I was glad it wasn't the pump or the rad.

    vlad
     
    Vlad Ciubotariu, Apr 12, 2008
    #10
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