Bad Radiator or Blown Head?

[CRX89]

On one of my friends cars hes having a problem with overheating. I just read that post below and it has similar syptoms as that dude but a lil diff. Here is whats wrong. It runs fine and then overheats then runs fine. It has a new fan relay switch and you can hear the fans running when its hot. The heater will stop working when the guage is readin hot then when it cools down the heat works again. We checked the oil and it was fine. It never really smoked bad but I guess the other night i was told it did but they couldnt tell by smell if it was coolent thru the exhaust or if it was cause it was cold outside. Im told it didnt smoke this morning but it seems to loose a lot of coolant. The driveway didnt show any signs of coolant dripping. If it had a blown head gasket wouldnt heater fan always blow hot and not tweak out? This car is freaking wack. Any help appriciated.

[BullShifter]

Usually when the heat blows cold/hot, there is an air pocket, coolant low, or t-stat not working properly.

[88CRX]

Heres what you do first before you start replacing expensive/time comsuming parts.


1 - Change your thermostate. $10 and only takes 30minutes max.

2 - Get a new honda rad cap. Again only $10

3 - Top the coolant up. Leave the rad cap off while its running for a good 30 minutes. And while its running squeeze all 4 hoses to make sure there isnt any air. Then top of overflow, put cap on and you should be good to go.


If not..... then its either your water pump going or head gasket. When was the water pump last replaced. If it was over 50-60k or you dont know then replace it now or else it may give and take your engine with down with it.

[JimCRX]

Is there any sign of oil in the radiator? Check the overfill tank. By the sounds of it, it does seem like a head gasket maybe on the way of going. The first time it overheated, was he moving pretty fast and did he shut it off right away? Cause the head might have warped. My buddy replaced his head gasket after he thought that was it. Turns out it was his head that was warped.

[CRX89]

Originally Posted by JimCRX

Is there any sign of oil in the radiator? Check the overfill tank. By the sounds of it, it does seem like a head gasket maybe on the way of going. The first time it overheated, was he moving pretty fast and did he shut it off right away? Cause the head might have warped. My buddy replaced his head gasket after he thought that was it. Turns out it was his head that was warped.

car was shut off i think..then cooled down then drove home...maybe 3 miles and it was fine..didnt over heat

[88CRX]

dont worry about the head gasket yet.... try the shit i said and hope for the best.