1991 Honda Civic Radiator Leak After Pump Fix

HONDA CIVIC
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FERMIN
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i have a 1991 honda civic vtec 4dr. 62760ml
i just replace my water pump a couple of weeks ago and all of a sudden my upper radiator hose is started leaking more and more. i went back to my auto repair shop to tell them the problem. they said they will replace it labor free but i have to pay the part. when they recheck the problem the radiator start to leak and needs to be overhaul. Is my new water pump the reason why it's leaking? it's starting making noise too at the rear
Nov 29, 2006 at 4:32 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I am not sure what they put in the vehicle for a water pump. The radiator is possibly weak and the hose as well. If you can say the age of them you will be a rare person. I venture to say that the new pump is working well and pushing the coolant at a much faster rate. It could be due to age that these things are giving out OR it could be that they have installed a higher performance pump. You need to find out if the pump was an OEM replacement.
Nov 29, 2006 at 6:23 AM
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FERMIN
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is it better to change the radiator or overhaul it? cuz they're asking a huge amount for the overhaul the radiator.
Nov 29, 2006 at 6:48 AM
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FERMIN
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and what if it's a OEM?
Nov 29, 2006 at 7:00 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Don't let them overhaul the radiator. You can find a radiator at a parts store for about $120, however, I have purchased them from ebay for about $85 with free shipping in some cases or off froogle.com. One brand is Toyo I believe.

You should be fine with an OEM radiator. I expressed concern about the water pump but if it is OEM you will be fine. I would replace both hoses on the radiator. If you do it yourself, which is a pretty easy job, make sure that you bleed the air out of the system, ALL of the air.
Nov 29, 2006 at 8:07 AM
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FERMIN
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is there a specific radiator for my car? cuz im not in the state and this car is imported from japan.
Nov 29, 2006 at 4:21 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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You provided this information to me

1991 honda civic vtec 4dr.

You need to know the type of engine 4 or 6 cylinder

The model of the car LX DX, etc

The size of the engine 1.5 1.6 2.0 2.2 etc.

They make a universal one as well that should work well on your car. In fact, if you look closely at radiator from your car, you will see the manufacturer name stamped or printed on it.
Nov 29, 2006 at 11:09 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not overhaul the radiator. Confirm the water pump is an OEM replacement, then replace the radiator with an OEM or compatible unit and replace both radiator hoses. Match the radiator to the engine and model, or use a suitable universal unit, and bleed all air from the cooling system.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Honda Civic had the water pump replaced, after which the upper radiator hose and radiator began leaking and a rear noise developed. The shop offered free labor but wanted payment for an expensive radiator overhaul. The expert said the new pump may be circulating coolant more strongly and exposing aged parts, and advised confirming an OEM pump, replacing rather than overhauling the radiator, replacing both hoses, and bleeding the system.

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