1999 Acura TL Overheating

GWARREN

MEMBER
1999 ACURA TL
3.2L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

Computer is giving codes for an egg valve and possible catalitic converter, I have put a new water pump, timing belt and radiator and thermostat with a new cap on radiator in the car and still overheard! It is pushing the water out the resivoir but I notice a hole in the top of the resivoir! Wondering if y'all could help me figure this out I have spent 1k already trying to fix the problem. Thanks

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

We need the exact fault code numbers to know what they mean. When coolant is getting pushed into the reservoir, the first thing to consider is having a chemical test done at the radiator to check for a leaking cylinder head gasket.

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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 AT 2:06 PM

GWARREN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

P0430
P0401
P0420

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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 AT 2:29 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

P0401 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0430 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

Dandy. These codes aren't related to overheating. The test I mentioned involves drawing air from the radiator, while the engine is running, through a glass cylinder with two chambers partially-filled with a special dark blue liquid. If combustion gases are present, the liquid will turn bright yellow. Those gases can pool under the thermostat and prevent it from opening. Thermostats have to be hit with hot liquid. Hot air won't do it.

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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 AT 3:20 PM

GWARREN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

OK. So I had the catalytic converter changed and had thoverheatingem burp the radiator of air in the system. It overheated again grrrrr. Another 400 bucks water! I bought another thermostat and put it in today! Waiting 12 hours to drive it again to see if it may have been sticking!
Things I've done so far.
Waterpump
Timing belt
New radiator
Thermostat
Catalytic converter
Any ideas what else could cause this I've spent over 1500.00 now trying to fix it from overheating?

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 11:54 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

The two most common causes of overheating are a dead radiator fan and a leaking cylinder head gasket. Did you have the chemical test done that I mentioned?