Head Gasket problem?

Tiny
TRENDZ
  • MEMBER
  • HONDA CIVIC
I just got an engine swap on my 99 civic ex and got a JDM GSR engine. I have been having coolant loss for a while now, at first it was leaking from the radiator hose so I got that tightened up. However, the coolant is still consistently going down. The engine never overheats though, from idle to WOT the engine is always steady on normal operating temperature. I know the coolant in the plastic goes up and down depending on the temperature of the engine, but just 2 days ago I filled up the container to max and now it's way below minimum. Where is this coolant going? I check the radiator every morning before I start it and it's always full, I dont see any leaks, nor bubbles in my oil, nor green tint on my spark plugs and no white smoke from the muffler. I dont' smell any sweet smell or antifreeze odor either. Although there is a a sharp whistling sound when I hit the gas. And I dont' really notice any power loss either.

I got the engine compression tested and leakdown and was top shape when first got it, it still runs great but losing coolant.

Should I be worried about a blown head gasket? What steps could I do myself to determine the problem? Compression test and what else? I was thinking that maybe my stock radiator (which is almost 7 years old - civic ex) is not cutting it with the integra B18c in there. Help please!
Thursday, April 27th, 2006 AT 8:24 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
If there is no visible leaks, check out the radiator and see if there are any damp spots on it. The fluid goes somewhere and if you have checked out the plugs and no smoke is coming out you should try to see if there are any drips on the floor after leaving it overnight after a good warming run. It is possible that fluid is leaking around the water pump.
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Friday, April 28th, 2006 AT 1:10 PM
Tiny
TRENDZ
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You're right there was a leak.

On of the hoses coming out from the intake manifold has a hole and is leaking.

Looks like its gonna be hard to get to it, do I have to take off the intake manifold?

Thanks
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Monday, May 1st, 2006 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
LOSONE
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Make sure you buy a Honda replacement hose. It isn't that bad. Remove the clamp and cut off the old hose don't try and work it off. Clean the nipple good and you will be able to work the new one back on. Like Bruce said, it may have been the water pump. You are lucky it wasn't.
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Monday, May 1st, 2006 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
TRENDZ
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So by cutting off the tip of the old hose, I am just putting the new hose on top of the old one? I'm guessing I have to get some kind of rubber connection or what not?

Thanks
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Monday, May 1st, 2006 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
LOSONE
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  • 1,616 POSTS
Buy the new hose first and you can see how it is made
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Monday, May 1st, 2006 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
TRENDZ
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Will do.
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Monday, May 1st, 2006 AT 2:45 PM

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