OVERHEATING< misteriously.

ALESSANDRA

MEMBER
HONDA CIVIC

My 97 Honda Civic overheat (ed?) Yesterday. Filled up the radiator with coolant (it was low apparently) but then after driving 20 miles or so, it did get hot again.
I stopped re-filled put in one of those powdered patches in the radiator (just in case), turned on the heater and drove home, another 78miles.
Now I am wondering what is up since there is no apparent leak on my radiator.
What could be causing it?
Could it be the water pump? Mine is original (150k) and I heard it was supposed to be changed at 100k. True?
what else could be happening?

what could I have done to the car by driving it too hot? (I stopped immediately when I realized it, of course but it was waay past the red already).
HOw do I check for damages? It seems to be fine, just bogging a bit on first gear that is all. Result of that?
Any clues?

I just don't want to be scammed by the mechanic who thinks girld don't understand anything! :)

I would appreciate any help. Knowledgeable folks!

thanks!

Alessandra

3 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

With no apparent leaks, that rules out the water pump as well. You do have a leak and it is called a head gasket. The bogging you are talking about is the car trying to figure out how to burn water and gas. You need to get the head gasket replaced, have the head looked for cracks and warpage. Might not be a bad time to tackle the pump and timing belt. Sorry about the news but it WILL NOT get any better.

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Monday, December 18th, 2006 AT 2:51 PM

ALESSANDRA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I just had a new timing belt put on (as I also heard was supposed to be changed and was never, just bought the car). Damm it.
So if the bogging is gone (it didn't bog this morning?) Could it be anything else?

Could I cause any more damage by driving it like this for a while, in case I do need a head gasket?

Thanks, I reaaaly appreciate it!
:)

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Monday, December 18th, 2006 AT 2:59 PM

GOFASTER21

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Gotta agree with bruce, its most likely the head gasket, if they go they seem to go right about 150k on hondas. Any repair shop can run a test on the coolant to verify for like 20 bucks, or you can buy your own test kit.

As far as damage as long as you dont let the car actually overheat there shouldnt be any appreciable short term damage. Long term the leak will get worse and you can damage the surface of the head or block.

Just dont let it overheat, do it a couple times and you can warp the head

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Monday, December 18th, 2006 AT 5:21 PM