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Dear Eric,
I have a beater 01 Civic with just over 226000 miles. It’s been overheating for a quite a while. I’m giving this one last shot before I ship it to the junk yard or set it on fire. Yes I have anger issues. I’m going to keep this short and to the point to save a long story. Many things have been replaced to try and solve the issue (too many to list). Recently it was diagnosed (professionally) as a small leak in the head gasket. From what I understand a very common thing with these old Civic’s.
I can drive this POS for quite a while before its starts overheating, pretty much never have a problem with around town driving. I can drive it on the freeway for about 40 minutes then it starts complaining. This thing runs perfect. Can’t feel it idle (very smooth), power is fine, no CEL, starts right up. Its a little stinky from an oil leak somewhere.
Ok enough said, here’s my scenario:
Last time I drove it on the freeway it did the usual overheat routine after about 40 minutes. The gauge shot up and I got off the nearest exit and shut the old beater down. Ok so here it is. When I popped the hood the motor wasn’t hot at all! No joke, I could put my bare hand on the radiator cap, valve cover even the top of radiator and it was warm/hot at best.
I swear I feel like I’m going crazy. Is this thing actually OVER heating? I mean, shouldn’t that motor be blazing hot?
Thanks!
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Replies
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You could check the radiator temp using a infrared temp gun to see what the actual temp is when the gauge reads it’s overheating.
> Recently it was diagnosed (professionally) as a small leak in the head gasket.
On what basis was that diagnosis made? For example, one method could be a leak down test.
Also, when was the last time your water pump was changed? It’s usually done with a timing belt.
Naw nothing wrong. You were just so hot that nothing felt Hot!!!…. Just kidding.
Seriously, I had a 2002 Civic 1.7 given to me with the same issue. I replaced the head, the timing belt(was in there anyway) and the A/C and it ran like a champ.
Except for the oil leak, I had to tear it all down again to replace a 50 cent o ring on the oil pump and all is well.
Point being. The car is fixable. But will take about 8 hours, good tools and around $700.
Good luck!
-Karl
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