93 accord overheating and erratic idling problem

[f22aRacer]

help my car overheats within 5 min. (lots of stem). also, my idle jumps form 1000 rpm to 2000 rpm every other second without pushing the gas. i replaced the temp. sensor and checked all wiring, fan blades do come on. also i noticed a leak in the top ridge of the radiator. if i replace the radiator will everything else be fixed?

[phantastic1]

if there is a leak in your radiator...then yes you should replace it. and while you're in there changing your radiator...you minus well change out your thermostat (only about $10) in case replacing the radiator doesn't fix your prob. it will save you radiator fluid.

now about the jumping idle....first check for any vacuum leaks. if no vacuum leaks...may be the idle control valve.

[f22aRacer]

well should i change it to a stock radiator or koyo radiator? cuz i use my car for street racing. Will the stock radiator handle the heat? where is the idle control valve located

[phantastic1]

unless you have enough mods to cause you engine to heat up more than it normally would...i'd just stick w/ oem or something comparable to oem. if you want koyo that's completely up to you...but i think koyo makes radiators that are similiar to oem.

about your idle air control valve. it's on your intake manifold. if you follow you throttle cable to the point where you can adjust it....look straight down from there...you should see a black cylinder shaped part. it has connector to it w/ 2 wires which should be a yellow and a black wire.

[94hondaacc]

change the radiator, for the idle you have to take out the throttle body and open it. there is a screw inside that came loose, tigten it back and thats it. it happened to me and i changed everything tps sensor,ecu,and a lot of other stuff, until i changed the throttle body then the problem went away, about 2 months later it started again, thats when i took out the throttle body and decided to open it, i figured if it broke i was gonna buy another one anyway, thats when i noticed the screw which i adjusted, but the throttle body back on , and again no problem, the best part is that its free if u do it yourself.

[phoenixitc]

Run a stock radiator. If you are worried about temps, add something like Redline to the coolant. I've read that Honda radiators are notorious for hairline splits on the top seam. I had to have mine replaced at 100k miles. I'm in central Texas and never have an overheat problem regardless of driving style.

[AccordCodger]

You're right - the rads are a pain. I've had 2 go, in the same place (only visible when under pressure).

[phoenixitc]

Now, for clarification on stock verus aftermarket...
You don't need a higher capacity super duper radiator but you might want to consider an aftermarket that is better in quality and durability over stock. I was referring to stock capacity and capability. I replaced my busted radiator with an non-OEM radiator after my shop told me that the OEM plastic units split a lot.

[f22aRacer]

thanks peeps
i bought a pep boys radiator(installing today). Just yesterday the idle decreased to jumping from 1000rpm to 1500, but when i but the defrost full blast it went away. i think by installing the new radiator everthing wil go away and new rad cap, thermostat. i'll take a look at the throttle body though cuz a few months ago it went on and off a few times.

great advice

[UncleBenRep]

i was just reading this and i was gonna say turn off your AC or defrost.....my radiator just went to shit on Monday, the bottom end was rotted away....and then after i replaced that i noticed my car reving from 700-1500 and my dad said it was probably the pump for the AC/Defrost kicking on and off and sure enough that was the problem......too late u figured it out already i was hoping to be of some use lol

[f22aRacer]

i know theres suppose to be a coolant drain plug but i cant figure out how to take it off cuz the socket wrench doesnt fit. what should i do? I already drained the hose (from the engine to the firewall) and even moved the heater switch to get it all out? Is there possibly more coolant in the engine? also the condenser fan wouldnt fit with the new radiator installed. should i leave it off or take out the whole thing , screw it on the rad and then put it back?

[f22aRacer]

Originally Posted by UncleBenRep

i was just reading this and i was gonna say turn off your AC or defrost.....my radiator just went to shit on Monday, the bottom end was rotted away....and then after i replaced that i noticed my car reving from 700-1500 and my dad said it was probably the pump for the AC/Defrost kicking on and off and sure enough that was the problem......too late u figured it out already i was hoping to be of some use lol

Update

I put in my pepboys radiator and seems fine. also put wetter water with 50/50 mix, new thermostat with gasket and new hoses with clamps.

I noticed a leak coming from the upper rad hose.

Is it the temp. switch or because i didnt drain the coolant from the head?

Any advise will help.

This replacement has already costed me $240.00 doing the work myself!!!