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1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating


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croatia84
User

May 13, 2011, 10:54 AM

Post #1 of 8 (9098 views)
1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

I have a 1993 Integra 1.8 DOHC. It was driving fine but recently started overheating, i replaced the thermostat, radiator cap and flushed the radiator but still overheats. I don't think it is the water pump because it's not loud and it's not leaking. Also i do not think that it is the head or intake gasket because i am not loosing oil or coolant.

Is there anything else i could try ?

I know it's an old car but i just put all new interior in it, new paint, wheels..... I hope i can save the engine.

Thanks in advance for any help.


croatia84
User

May 13, 2011, 11:02 AM

Post #2 of 8 (9093 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

I also did add water this morning while the engine was still cold and i tried to "burp" the engine by letting it run until air bubble came out.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 13, 2011, 12:16 PM

Post #3 of 8 (9082 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

I plain can't know the layout of every model of every car but you are nicely invested in this so try like crazy not to let it overheat. You may still have lots of air in it - some are a real pest to "burp" it all out, especially ones with radiator cap that is on the recovery tank. Check level again when cold.

Generally if heater will work you are close or done.

Water pump is a maybe. Some use steel impellers that just don't move enough coolant. If a composite (rot free) impeller probably not that. If return hose or heater is weak pump might cause that.

*Do fans work?
*Heater as said blows warm/hot air well?
*Hard to check but if you continually find level low head gaskets can put higher pressure gasses into cooling system. Can get test strips for evidence or if always low or lower when you check that's on the list. Most will show pressure just by squeezing upper rad hose way too early (don't burn yourself) just with a squeeze you can feel pressure way before it's warmed up enough.

* Will it get too warm just idling or do you have to be driving it? If only while drive fairly fast the air dam under bumper if missing can screw up air flow.

- Careful, but do you feel hot air off the fans?

-- Just some things to consider till the fix is diagnosed,

T



croatia84
User

May 13, 2011, 7:09 PM

Post #4 of 8 (9073 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

Hey Tom, thanks for the reply.

I tried to burp it out but water in the radiator keeps boiling, so i don't think i will be able to do that.

* Fans do work
* Heater does not blow hot air even when warm, but while i was trying to burp it i did feel it getting warmer
* I can't feel any pressure in the hose even when it's overheating.
* It gets warm either stopped or if driving.

I think i may have a bad radiator, is there an easy way to test it? I fill the radiator up but i do not see water moving or circulating.

Also i added water instead of 50/50 mix would that have any affect ?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 13, 2011, 7:21 PM

Post #5 of 8 (9070 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

You can't do it with the cap off. Fill the system and cap it. run the engine until the thermostat opens and then take it around the block. Shut it off and let it completely cool until dead cold. Open system and top off, repeat process until it stays full and you have heat.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 14, 2011, 3:11 AM

Post #6 of 8 (9063 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

Quote">>* Heater does not blow hot air even when warm, but while i was trying to burp it i did feel it getting warmer
* I can't feel any pressure in the hose even when it's overheating.
* It gets warm either stopped or if driving.

I think i may have a bad radiator, is there an easy way to test it? I fill the radiator up but i do not see water moving or circulating.

Also i added water instead of 50/50 mix would that have any affect ? <<"

croatia - like HT said this can take several cycles and time to purge air out and take a long time to cool down and repeat as he said. Shops are now using a vacuum thing such that you can do it the first time - I don't own one but they (friends still in biz) can't take all day to purge fussy cars.

Comments on your observations: You don't have heat! If when you flushed it and heater core allowed flow you should and air or overheat would cause no heat or even poor heat from heater.

No pressure! Pressure check it with a real pressure tester and see if it can hold - bet it can't - not a good sign unless it's leaking unseen somehow. Careful if it loses pressure as a cylinder my be full of water! If so then take spark plugs out before cranking or it will hydraulic lock and possible damage. Water may spit out of a plug hole proof of a head gasket problem.

Water only is fine for testing for now but puts you back to needing the protection when stable so gotta learn how to get air out.
You don't need exactly 50/50 but should aim for -20F at least - many full strength antifreeze bottles have the % to add to achieve what. FYI - antifreeze is a lousy product for heat transfer but needed for protecting system. If it gets VERY cold where you are you do want comensurate concentration.

* This has overheated so much now I suspect you have a bad head or head gasket now with this -- what do you think HT? Getting higher on the list of reason this overheats?

T



croatia84
User

May 14, 2011, 11:11 PM

Post #7 of 8 (9053 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

Thanks a bunch guys, this morning i had decided i will invest another $112 for a new radiator and that solved the problem. I'm not sure if the old radiator was bad or if there was too much air in cooling but problem solved.

Thanks for all the help


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 15, 2011, 2:26 AM

Post #8 of 8 (9048 views)
Re: 1993 Acura Integra - Keeps Overheating Sign In

Thanks for reporting your success. $112 for a radiator is chump change really and a good thing for a car of this age. Hope it stays cool and no other problems from overheatingSmile

T







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