87 CRX - manual - 1.5L - Overheating

[JimL87CRXDX]

Shop replaced the thermostat today. Said it was "sticking". They tested it, ran fine. I just drove it 20 miles and the guage is up to HOT again.

Shop said radiator was next.

Is that a straight-foward repair? Or, should I not attempt it?

Car has 180K+ miles on it - and I think it's the original radiator.

Could it be anything else?

[lxndr]

Is the radiator leaking? If not, don't replace it.

Check your radiator cap first, if it's old it probably needs to be replaced because it's not holding pressure.

Next, check for cracked or damaged hoses, then backflush the coolant system.

The only other possibilities are a leaking heater core (you'd notice a damp carpet), or a bad head gasket (blowing white smoke out the tailpipe) which is not uncommon on a car this age.

[pimpmcdaddies]

Is the electic cooling fan kicking in when the engine gets hot?If not the switch may be faulty.The're cheap anyway so worth replacing.You can check the fan itself is working by crossing the fan switch wires together which will also temporarily get you out of trouble till you replace switch.