Civic VTEC EJ6 - 1996 losing coolant

Tiny
VINCENT.HKCHUA
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
My Honda Civic 1996 Vtec 1.6 EJ6 losing coolant problem has not been resolved. After changing engine head gasket, water pump, thermostat, hoses check and removing radiator for pressure test, it still consume water. I still think the new head gasket that was replaced is not sealing well. Hope it's not "warp" engine block problem. I did a test by sticking the coolant reservoir tube into a bottle filled with water with the engine running and noticed that continuous bubble keep coming out. It stopped when the fan cuts in and few seconds later it start bubbling again after fan has stopped. (1 bubble in 3 or 4 seconds)

Is this normal or an indication that there is a problem with the head gasket?

Regards,
Vincent
Friday, June 24th, 2011 AT 8:32 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Losing coolant and there's no external leak its being burned in the cylinders and you should be overheating-the oil is it milky? Tranny fluid is it pinkish

Have it block and pressure tested
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
VINCENT.HKCHUA
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As mentioned, I have actually checked phsically that there is no leak- my coolant is dark green and could easily be seen. Except for the engine block, the rediator was pressure tested and water submerged for leak. All OK. I have checked the oil, I'd never seen any sign of contemination or milky stuffs so far. It's still new and dark brownish like original. Unfortunately I wanted to pressure test the engine block, but none of the mechanic in my region has this facility. Yes, I do have slight overheating but not up to 100%, it may go up to 75% and eventually will return to normal and this only happen on a hot day and long journey.(By then my radiator level could have been low)
I am not too sure what is "Tranny fluid is pinkish". Can you elaborate so that I know what to check. Thanks.

Regards,
Vincent
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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You admit that you are losing coolant so you DO have a leak. You just haven't been able to locate it yet.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The engine block is warped and the new gasket is not sealing it well. You need to reface the block or replace it. Quite common fault for such engine blocks.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Pinkish-means coolant is mixing with the tranny fluid thru a leak on the transmission cooler compartment-Maybe
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
VINCENT.HKCHUA
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I am not too sure if coolant can mix with the tranny fluid for my Honda Civic 1996 EJ6. I realized that my coolant reservoir level can rise up to 50mm above the "full" making when engine is hot after a 20km journey. The level will very quickly return to the "full" mark or few mm below after 1 hour rest. I saw some coolant spill mark on the reservoir tank. Could this be the cause of my losing coolant after frequent driving where I run and stop the car? Is there any clue what can caused this? I have checked my other two cars and the reservoir level only rise up about 15mm above "full" mark when engine is hot and if I do a bubble check by sticking the reservoir hose in a water filled bottle, there is no bubble unlike this Civic which keep bubbling every few seconds when engine is running.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Get it block and pressure tested to find out more what's happening
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
PGRTRUCK
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These engines have a problem with cracking blocks between the water jacket and cylinder. Bubbles in the radiator would be a good symptom. Get you cooling system tested for exhaust gas presence with a Tee Kay tester. I have done a few of these engines with this problem
Regards
Peter
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
VINCENT.HKCHUA
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Thanks Peter, that being the case, the way forward would be to change the engine block? I really do not know where can I get a Tee Kay tester to confirm this. I think getting a half cut engine and put in would we cheaper option. Your opinion.

Regards,
Vincent
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM

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