1990 Honda Civic temp fluctuation

1990 HONDA CIVIC
125,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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REDFLOYD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
i have a 1990 honda civic hatch, auto trans. car runs very good. i live in somewhat mountainous area. the temp gauge always stays around the 1/4 mark until i begin a steep climb. it then quickly rises to around 3/4 on the gauge. it is still in the white area but, i wonder if this is normal? as soon as i level out or start going downhill it quickly goes back down to around the 1/4 mark. i don't push the car hard when i am going up the hills. thanks for any help.
Jun 12, 2008 at 8:07 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi redfloyd,

It should not happen this way.

When going up hill you tend to have the engine at a higher rev and if this brings the temp up, most probably the radiator is partially clogged resulting in insufficient cooling.

See if the coolant is due for replacement.
Jun 12, 2008 at 8:13 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the level too! Fan operation, and thermostat.
Jun 12, 2008 at 8:18 AM
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