12 messages,
Last post on Jan 04, 2012 at 2:37 PM
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Honda Civic Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Honda Civic, Engine, Heating / Cooling, Coupe, Sedan
#4 of 12 title changed
by kirstie_h HOST
Sep 16, 2010 (8:32 am)
Questions are more likely to be answered in general discussions rather than when they're in a discussion dedicated to a single question, so I changed this discussion title for ongoing use.
#5 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [chiburbs]
by confused06
Sep 21, 2010 (7:42 am)
2005 Civic - Overheated in June when I stopped after a 2 hour trip. Took car in and couldn't find anything. Replaced Radiator cap, checked hoses and thermostat but everything OK. Last week noticed the heat would not come on right away and then faded in and out. Took it back in and they have now found a "Leaky" Head Gasket. Said the gasket is not cracked but could crack if car continues to overheat. Haven't had another over heating since 1st incident. I'm hesitant to fix the gasket until I can find out what caused the overheating. My mechanic is telling me that the overheating probably caused the leak in the gasket. Does that sound right to any of you. Your problem sounds similar. Not sure what to do!
Nov 12, 2010 (6:01 pm)
I'm having the same problem with my 2002 Civic. It's leaking coolant but my mechanic can't find the leak. Did you ever find the leak?
Thanks!
#7 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [chiburbs]
by mrposey
May 08, 2011 (10:18 pm)
Hello,
Sorry to bother you. I was wondering if you ever located that leak. I have a 2003 honda civic and I and 2 other mechanics cannot locate the leak. I can get about 120 miles out of it till it overheats/runs out of coolant. I changed the radiator cap because the reservoir was filling up and I changed the thermostat just because.
#8 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [mrposey]
by chiburbs
Jun 01, 2011 (7:52 am)
someone sent me this, which turned out to be right:
The radiator is a three-piece assembly with plastic top and bottom tanks held on by crimped metal tabs. It is likely starting to separate because of vibration and fatigue. Look around for a one-piece radiator with a good warranty and see about replacing it.
#9 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [confused06]
by solonica
Sep 05, 2011 (12:21 am)
Yes this car have a head gaskets problem like the subarus. I just bought one and it over heated on a long trip. I had to do a head gasket repair and sent to cut the head. so, that's the main problem on it. So good luck and keep and eye on does head gaskets.
#10 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [confused06]
by davemartinwood
Dec 15, 2011 (10:01 am)
I have a 2003 Civic EX at 175k miles. I had a slowly progressing over-heating problem also. I replaced a sometimes failing A/C radiator fan, after replacing the thermostat and both old upper and lower hoses. Eventually, I replaced the radiator and the overflow bottle trying to find out where all my coolant/water was going. I would consistently lose a quart of water to work (45mi.) and again on the way back. Even when watching it in overheating mode,
there were no obvious leaks. I eventually am doing a head-gasket replacement. I have it apart now and the gasket and head look pretty good for 175k. I was disappointed when I didn't find the obvious gasket burn through I had expected. But, it seems that this engine (D17-A2) lasts forever until an eventual mystery coolant leak occurs. It also seems that most folks find a head gasket replacement fixes the problem. I plan to increase the head-bolt torque to 55-60 lbs/in., as some do, when I put it all back together this weekend. I'll update with the results. Keep motoring.
#11 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [davemartinwood]
by jlabine9999
Jan 04, 2012 (10:51 am)
DaveMartinWood:
My 2002 Civic EX with 175k miles is behaving the same as yours. I've only replaced the thermostat & added coolant. Worked great for one week, then it was overheating during a 30 mile drive. Towed car to trusted mechanic & he couldn't find any problems. He added coolant from loss due to overheat. Burped the system in 65degree shop for 40 minutes. Civic worked just fine for one week. Then during a 50 mile drive....overheating again. PLEASE let me know if you figure out this problem.
I would appreciate an email direct: jason_labine
yahoo.com
#12 of 12 Re: Slow, unfound coolant leak, 2002 Civic [jlabine9999]
by kirstie_h HOST
Jan 04, 2012 (2:37 pm)
We would actually appreciate if it were posted in the Forums, rather than privately, so that any other members having the same problem could benefit.