Incontinent ED Civic

[EDCivic]

Every few months the old Civic will lose approx. a cup of coolant from the overflow tank, nothing more nothing less all in one go. Have changed rad cap with little effect. Keep thinking head gasket, but have experienced this many years before and the issue should get worse over time till....

Any thoughts ?

[grifty]

Are you running the proper coolant mix? I had this issue when mostly water was used and not proper coolant.

[EDCivic]

Good point. Must admit that over time I only use distilled water to top it up, so the coolant would be mixing out. Time for a flush me thinks. Last time I used authentic Honda coolant so should I still stick with this or use a 3rd party eg Tecalloy ?

[carayan]

Good point. Must admit that over time I only use distilled water to top it up, so the coolant would be mixing out. Time for a flush me thinks. Last time I used authentic Honda coolant so should I still stick with this or use a 3rd party eg Tecalloy ?

nulon type 2 if you use aftermarket, some contain additives that hondas dont like, so check up on it first.

[Snoop_gee]

This happened to my ED9 thats when i decided enough is enough and went to replace the entire engine already.
While it may seem to be different for each ED. Given the age of the ED's the amount of km's. It can often have a life in the 200,000+ 300,000 km's .
During that time there is no doubt a battle on the varying problems i was experiencing that was never ending replace the alternator, distributor. new coolant lines etc etc.
http://www.redpepperracing.com/gallery/d/251161-2/engine+001.jpg

If the leak is on the hot part of the engine the coolant will evaporate quickly traces of this you can notice is the white/yellowish crystal deposit/powder or its location somewhere on the hoses or cooling system.

A slow leak might not be detected in the oil, but also look for oil in the coolant reservoir.
If your topping up frequently then it should be pure coolant ... oil in your coolant i would suggests head gasket.
Those overflow bottle's for the ED's are made of plastic fantastic ... ... NOT! hahahah check that too might have crack/s damages that probably require a much more closer inspection.

[bennjamin]

Another thought - the amount you are losing could be the amount burped out in air pockets and bubbles over time.
If you are stumped I'd properly drain and fill the coolant one last time and properly warm up and burp all air from the system. Might just help out :0)

[EDCivic]

Thanks Benjamin, know where your coming from re fix this, fix that. We have owned it for around 14 years and it has done 400,000k but must admit after fix this fix that it goes well for another 12 months. I will get some fresh coolant and flush the system. There is the odd tell tale mark around the top tank so perhaps it looses enough pressure from time to time to allow it to boil over. No sign of oil in o/flow tank or under rocker cover cap but as you said it could be a pin hole leak in head gasket. Was thinking could it be the thermostat playing up (has never been changed) ?

[Snoop_gee]

We have owned it for around 14 years and it has done 400,000k

thats impressive man ! http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_3236.gif

[EDCivic]

Thanks...motor, auto transmission and even drive shafts are original. It is just becoming slightly arthritic as expected for a car of this age and k's, but don't mind throwing a few hundred $$$'s every year or so at it.

[Snoop_gee]

u got any pics of the beast.
Would be nice to see. !?!?!

[EDCivic]

May '91 build....
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/serneckr/WP_000080640x420.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/serneckr/media/WP_000080640x420.jpg.html)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/serneckr/WP_000081640x480.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/serneckr/media/WP_000081640x480.jpg.html)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/serneckr/WP_000083640x480.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/serneckr/media/WP_000083640x480.jpg.html)

[markismaximus]

wow that looks tidy. Nice work on keeping it looking good for 14 years.

[EDCivic]

Thanks to TLC and Meguiars it still comes up pretty good.

[dove grey 64]

X2 especially with that colour. Normally the clear coat lifts

[EDCivic]

Has always been garaged so that counts quite a bit to the condition of the paint/body and also has its oil and filter changed every 5,000 k's

[EDCivic]

wow that looks tidy. Nice work on keeping it looking good for 14 years.

Oh yes forgot to mention, your name sake "brand" of tyre also helps the old Civic roll along the road !

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/serneckr/WP_000084640x480.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/serneckr/media/WP_000084640x480.jpg.html)

[~Sp33~]

Hahaha ^

Looks mint! To your question though, thermostat will not cause coolant levels to drop. Check all your hoses for white crusty buildups which indicate coolant leaking and then drying.

400k is a solid stint. (Y)

[EDCivic]

Thanks Sp33.....the hoses (though original) have no crusty build ups. It just that from time to time it decides (like a couple of nights ago) to fill up and pour approx. 300ml out of the over flow tank. The oil filler cap and dip stick are super clean so I don't suspect a head gasket ???

[~Sp33~]

Only way to know for sure would be to get it tested. Checking the oil cap and cooling system for signs of exchange is only going to show you results if the thing is completely fecked.

Compression and coolant exhaust gas level tests are cheap and quick for most local mechanics to do.

[EDCivic]

Dropped into a local rad specialist for an impromptu visit and after telling him the issue I popped the bonnet and straight off he felt the top hose and said "it's soft". I said "don't tell the wife" as it's her car lol......anyway he took the old original rad cap off and the rubber seal was torn and perished. As I'm an original parts nerd, where can I get a Nippon Denso or similar 0.9 or slightly bigger cap to suit an ED Civic i.e. not a bland "Tridon" cap ????

[Jasemas]

Give your local honda dealer a call
But they may not have it

Heres the part break down
http://www.hondapartsdirect.com/auto-parts/1989/honda/civic-sedan/lx-trim/5-speed-manual-engine/electrical-exhaust-heater-fuel-cat/radiator-denso-scat
You can buy it off them, but shipping will automatically be $50


Or you can try this Aussie distributor
http://www.amayama.com/search/?q=19045-PR3-004