Engine overheating

Tiny
WYHERNANDEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,000 MILES
So for a couple days now I’ve noticed that the temperature gauge keeps showing that the car is overheating, I checked the coolant and the levels are okay. It seems to happen if I accelerate to above 25 MPH. I also noticed that my heater is not working unless I drive for a long time.
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like the engine coolant is low. Are you certain it is full? Also, when the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and confirm the radiator is full as well.

Here is a link that explains the purpose of the engine coolant:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-coolant-59420607

Also, take a look through this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

Let me know if you have already done what I suggested.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
WYHERNANDEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, we have double checked and it is full. We also have replaced the thermostat.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Hi,

If the radiator is full and the thermostat is new, it sounds like the radiator is plugged. Something is preventing coolant from circulating.

Do me a favor. When the engine is cold, open the radiator. Start the engine, heat on, and allow the engine to warm up. I'm asking because once the thermostat opens, you should be able to see the coolant moving through the system.

Try that and let me know the results. Also, you may want to consider flushing the radiator. Here is a link that shows how that's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Just one other thought. If the rad is clean, we "could" have a head gasket issue. If compressed air is getting into the cooling system, it could be causing an issue.

Take a look through this link and see if anything mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
WYHERNANDEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The coolant was moving and the reservoir went down.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Hi,

If the coolant was moving, full in the engine, and the reservoir went down and has been refilled, I suggest following the head gasket tests I included above. If it was a sensor, the heater should still work and it doesn't, so something is blocking it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 7:36 PM

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