2001 Honda Civic overheating

Tiny
BDUBS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
I have a 2001 Honda Civic that is having some overheating issues. Basically, when the car idles, the engine shudders at low RPM's and starts to overheat, but once you get back up to speed, the engine cools back down to normal temps. So, self diagnosing I have noticed that while the engine idles, I can pretty much pinch together both the upper and lower radiator hoses and I really don't feel any water moving through. The thermostat was recently replaced, but did not fix the issue. The water pump's weeping hole is not dripping water and I have not noticed any puddles of noticeable size underneath the car. I sort of suspect either the water pump or the timing belt but since both of those are outside of my comfort zone a little, I wanted to get some input from an expert and see if there is anything else I can check before I carry it to a mechanic and give away my first born child.

Please help!
Monday, September 29th, 2014 AT 10:21 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
It sounds like the cooling fan isn't turning on. Have you checked that? Also, how low do the RPM's get at an idle?
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Monday, September 29th, 2014 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
BDUBS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yeah, both the A/C and cooling fans work. The RPM's usually run about 900 at idle, then drop to 500 or 600 when the engine shudders.
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Monday, September 29th, 2014 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The low RPM's could be causing a problem. A bad water pump wouldn't cause a rough idle. Has the check engine light ever come on when it runs rough?
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Monday, September 29th, 2014 AT 7:34 PM

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