Tempurature raises with long idle times...

[KennyKen]

Car: 1990 accord
Problem: I recently changed my radiator approximately 3-4 months ago and have had no problems thus far. Well the other night I was sitting in my car just hanging out with a girl :D and looked down at the speedo and saw my temp gauge was about 3/4 of the way up ( a little more than normal) then I quickly turned on the a/c which turned on the fans and the temp gauge went down. I know the fans are still turning on and still functioning but when sometimes when it heats up I don't feel them kick on.

Radiator fluid is full and clean, but another thing is when I shut off the car if/once the problem starts and I turn it on to the temp gauge is at like 1/4 so could it be the temp sending unit?

I have no problem with overheating during driving or anything like that but if I am sitting in at idle or at a stop for 10-15 minutes it starts to overheat...I am thinking thermostat but typically wouldn't it be all the time for it would be stuck open/shut/partially?

TIA

edit: changed my thermostat problem still persistant and it takes a little longer for the problem to occur. I have also noticed that sometimes I will have a little radiator fluid overflow after I have driven my car and it has cooled down :( .

2nd thing I wanted to ask you Tobi is if you could see if you can fix some of my leaks (I THINK it's AT fluid and PS fluid).

[Kwando]

i've always had that problem with my prelude. i've changed the thermostat twice (OEM Honda) and flushed the radiator. When the car is moving and there is air flow the temp gauge barely reaches 1/4. When the car is at idle and sitting it raises until the fan kicks on and then it reaches normal operation temp. when i had my 90 integra LS, it got almost in the red one time and i just raised the idle and it lowered the temp.

[danegod]

have you tried upgrading your waterpump? im just talking from my ass here, but maybe the h2o pump is tired and when sitting at idle, it isnt moving enough water.

[KennyKen]

Forgot to mention I just did my t-belt service at 178K (I am pretty sure they replace the water pump with that service... *shrug*) I got it done at a honda service department; any light on this Tobi?

[danegod]

i know they change the pump at 80k and Should at 178k, check your service reciept for all services done. and did you make sure that you got anyparts back that they replaced?

[HONDA GHANDI]

Forgot to mention I just did my t-belt service at 178K (I am pretty sure they replace the water pump with that service... *shrug*) I got it done at a honda service department; any light on this Tobi?


Its no the pump. The fans may not be coming on with the fan switch. I would have to take a look at some temps while the car is running to see where the problem lies. The leaks I can fix too. Give me a shout and bring it by.

[KennyKen]

Well I know the fans come on but I don't feel a "cycle" with them; if that makes sense, it's almost as if the fans were missing coming on at a certain time causing the car to overheat =\ . When are you available for me to drop it by the new shop?

[STIBungy]

He fix my leaky too. :D

The leaks I can fix too.

[KennyKen]

When are you available for me to drop it by the new shop?

:)

I have to work thursday through saturday I think I might drop it off sunday or monday only if you have a key drop off box.

[HONDA GHANDI]

I dont yet. Im still trying to figure out where to put one. If you can give me a call I can meet you there on Sunday to put the car in the shop and lock it up.

[KennyKen]

I dont yet. Im still trying to figure out where to put one. If you can give me a call I can meet you there on Sunday to put the car in the shop and lock it up.

w00t will do, your number hasn't changed has it?

[HONDA GHANDI]

Not yet.

[KennyKen]

Well tobi you're the greatest...car doesn't overheat anymore but I will keep an eye on it. If it IS the headgasket could you get me a price on that mamma-jamma :D .

Also when it's time for another oil change I am going to have you do the oil pan gasket, thanks again for working on my POS! :cheers:

[HONDA GHANDI]

WIth the miles your car has its not a good idea to do jsut hte head gasket. Unfortunatly those motor s have a habit of starting to smoke if you only do the HG. We will see what happens though and go from there.