1996 Honda Accord Cooling system

PORTUVA

MEMBER
1996 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

Last weekend, I put in about 900 miles and had all kinds of problems including the coolant boiling after the uphill climb to Crater Lake. I was loaded with 4 people and camping stuff. The overflow tank spilled and there were some leaks from the radiator cap too. I topped off the radiator with water and drove back. Yesterday I did the oil change, which was overdue, and explained to the guy, and he had me put the white fluid that was like anti-corrosion, and change the radiator cap that seemed odd to him.
Q1: does the overflow bottle need to have some level of coolant?
Q2: Do I need to flush the coolant out as I added water?
Q3: After the long drive and then uphill, is it expected for the car to overheat and boil the coolant into the overflow bottle and out on the street? If not what might have caused the radiator to overheat.
Q4: Do I need to worry about the radiator?

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

1. Yes, there should be a lower and upper mark on tank.

2. You can use water in an emergency, but radiator and cooling system should be drained and flushed as soon as possible. Also make sure the cooling fans are working properly.

3. No, unless you exceed the maximum weight capacity of the car. This info should be in owners manual, total weight includes all passengers, luggage.

4. If you are concerned about radiator, have the cooling system pressure tested. Honda engines are particulary sensitive to overheating.