several issues with 89 4cyl.

[Shadowkahn]

Nice to have found you guys. Caravan resources on the 'net aren't exactly common!

Got several issues with my 89. First off, it has very low heat which is a problem because it's my winter car. The temp gauge fluctuates between cold and halfway. The needle moves pretty fast when it fluctuates too. The heater is weird. If I run it out the top vents or the defrost vents, it's ice cold. If I run it out the lower vents, it's luke warm. A mechanic said it was caused by a coolant leak into #1 cylinder. I know this is BS because he said that over a year ago and I still haven't lost any coolant Thermostat's been replaced. That slowed the gauge down a little bit, but didn't really alleviate any symptoms. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Then, I have a headlights issue. If it's very cold (below 5 degrees or so) the headlights won't come on until the engine warms up. I figure it's a relay in the engine bay that's getting frozen somewhere but I have no idea where to look. I just bought this car from my dad a couple of months ago to save my CRX from the winter streets, and have worked on Hondas all my life. I'm not real good with american cars Anyone know where the headlights relay is?

Thanks for any help you can give!

[RABarrett]

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it sounds to me like a head gasket is the issue here. These vehicles had a problem with head gaskets anyway, and when the problem occurs, it typically allows compression pressure into the system, creating circulation problems in the cooling system. Likely, the coolant was lost very slowly, with no apparent loss from the bottle. Though I am not sure, I do not think the headlamps use a relay. It is likely a switch problem, or other connection. Ray

[Shadowkahn]

That's what I've been somewhat worried about. When my dad still owned it he cracked the head, so the same mechanic that told us it was coolant leaking into the cylinder replaced the head for us. I have a bad feeling he didn't do a very good job.

Thanks!

[daveyhouse]

Hello,
If you have not needed coolant in a year you do not have gasket problem. I will suggest fluhing your heater core. I do my own work and learned the hard way. When scraping the old gasket material off the block deck some of the material falls down in the water jackets of block, which adventuly goes thru your heater core and gets stuck. The reason it is colder coming thru the defrost is because when you use the defrosted the ac compresoor kicks on. This is the way it is designed so the oil gets circulated during the winter when you do not use the ac, but when the heat is working properly you do not know the ac is on. If it is a push button you can disable it by pulling the defrost button back out after pushing it. Your defrost will stay on but will disengage the ac.Does your heat get colder when at an idle than at higher rpms? Disconnect both heater hoses from heater core and gently run garden hose thru both fittings of your heater core until water runs clear.

P.S. Headlights do use relays check under hood on along one of the fender wells you should see 4 or 5 relays. When lights are on, unplug one at a time until the lights go out. Then replace it about $15.00
Hope this helps,
Dave

[Shadowkahn]

it helps a lot!

actually the heat gets warmer at idle, and significantly colder when the car moves. Doesn't matter what RPM as long as it's moving. Also, the heat is also very cold coming out the face vents, even though I've pulled the button back to turn the A/C off. That's what's so strange about it. It's lukewarm on the bottom, but cold on top. Total mystery!

I'll look at the headlamp relay tomorrow. Thanks!

[daveyhouse]

Do you know what temp thermostat you put in 160, 180, or 195? ou coul;d try a hotter thermostat. nother to keep in mind is that the thermostat is centered correctly, if it is not, it will allow water to pass without holding it to warm up to temp. when moving, more air goes thru rad to cool, then really does not get a chance to get to temp. You could also try to removing temp control valve at the heater core, just to make sure that is not your problem.
How did you make out with headlights?
Good luck,
Dave

[we2sheep]

coolant diagrams available anywhere?