92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs great when
the coolant level is full. However, after driving for about 30-40
miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to overheat. There
is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although it almost
undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of coolant that
comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat, ECT sensor that
goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the radiator is
new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack somewhere in the
cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in the cylinder
head would render an engine almost useless and since the engine is
strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was somewhere
else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route to take in
purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured? Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

jophus@gmail.com wrote:
> I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat, ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured? Thanks. Paul
>
head gasket. several threads on this in the last couple of weeks.

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

jophus@gmail.com wrote:
> I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat, ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured? Thanks. Paul
>
head gasket. several threads on this in the last couple of weeks.

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

jophus@gmail.com wrote:
> I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat, ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured? Thanks. Paul
>
head gasket. several threads on this in the last couple of weeks.

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
known...

Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.

Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
the repair will rise.

<jophus@gmail.com> wrote
>I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
>great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless

No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
into the cooling system, or both.

Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
Frosty consistency?).

> and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
known...

Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.

Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
the repair will rise.

<jophus@gmail.com> wrote
>I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
>great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless

No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
into the cooling system, or both.

Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
Frosty consistency?).

> and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
known...

Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.

Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
the repair will rise.

<jophus@gmail.com> wrote
>I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
>great when
> the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> about 30-40
> miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> overheat. There
> is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> it almost
> undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> coolant that
> comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> ECT sensor that
> goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> radiator is
> new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> somewhere in the
> cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> the cylinder
> head would render an engine almost useless

No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
into the cooling system, or both.

Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
Frosty consistency?).

> and since the engine is
> strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> somewhere
> else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> to take in
> purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
sometime next month.. thanks for the info..

[CentraCore & 78241]

Games that I like to play!

http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
<a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
<a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>



Elle wrote:
> A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> known...
>
> Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
>
> Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> the repair will rise.
>
> <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> >great when
> > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > about 30-40
> > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > overheat. There
> > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > it almost
> > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > coolant that
> > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > ECT sensor that
> > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > radiator is
> > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > somewhere in the
> > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > the cylinder
> > head would render an engine almost useless
>
> No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> into the cooling system, or both.
>
> Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> Frosty consistency?).
>
> > and since the engine is
> > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > somewhere
> > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > to take in
> > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
sometime next month.. thanks for the info..

[CentraCore & 78241]

Games that I like to play!

http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
<a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
<a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>



Elle wrote:
> A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> known...
>
> Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
>
> Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> the repair will rise.
>
> <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> >great when
> > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > about 30-40
> > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > overheat. There
> > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > it almost
> > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > coolant that
> > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > ECT sensor that
> > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > radiator is
> > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > somewhere in the
> > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > the cylinder
> > head would render an engine almost useless
>
> No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> into the cooling system, or both.
>
> Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> Frosty consistency?).
>
> > and since the engine is
> > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > somewhere
> > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > to take in
> > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
sometime next month.. thanks for the info..

[CentraCore & 78241]

Games that I like to play!

http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
<a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
<a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>



Elle wrote:
> A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> known...
>
> Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
>
> Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> the repair will rise.
>
> <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> >great when
> > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > about 30-40
> > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > overheat. There
> > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > it almost
> > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > coolant that
> > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > ECT sensor that
> > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > radiator is
> > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > somewhere in the
> > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > the cylinder
> > head would render an engine almost useless
>
> No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> into the cooling system, or both.
>
> Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> Frosty consistency?).
>
> > and since the engine is
> > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > somewhere
> > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > to take in
> > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

Thanks for the responses. I did a cyl compression test today.
Starting w/ cyl #4, I read a compression of about 225. The other 3
cylinders read significantly lower, closer to 190. (This could be
because I failed to notice that the adapter that came w/ my compression
gauge got left behind in cyl #4, so the remaining 3 cyls' didn't seal
tight enough, leading to lower readings--the adapter is still in #4.
It's too hot outside for me, apparently.) Ok, what stood out most to
me was that while performing the final 3 tests, coolant sprayed out of
#4. What does this indicate? Thanks again. Paul


CentraCore102181 wrote:
> I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
> sometime next month.. thanks for the info..
>
> [CentraCore & 78241]
>
> Games that I like to play!
>
> http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
> <a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
> href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
> Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
> <a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>
>
>
>
> Elle wrote:
> > A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> > getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> > in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> > known...
> >
> > Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
> >
> > Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> > the repair will rise.
> >
> > <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> > >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> > >great when
> > > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > > about 30-40
> > > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > > overheat. There
> > > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > > it almost
> > > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > > coolant that
> > > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > > ECT sensor that
> > > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > > radiator is
> > > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > > somewhere in the
> > > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > > the cylinder
> > > head would render an engine almost useless
> >
> > No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> > into the cooling system, or both.
> >
> > Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> > oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> > Frosty consistency?).
> >
> > > and since the engine is
> > > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > > somewhere
> > > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > > to take in
> > > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

Thanks for the responses. I did a cyl compression test today.
Starting w/ cyl #4, I read a compression of about 225. The other 3
cylinders read significantly lower, closer to 190. (This could be
because I failed to notice that the adapter that came w/ my compression
gauge got left behind in cyl #4, so the remaining 3 cyls' didn't seal
tight enough, leading to lower readings--the adapter is still in #4.
It's too hot outside for me, apparently.) Ok, what stood out most to
me was that while performing the final 3 tests, coolant sprayed out of
#4. What does this indicate? Thanks again. Paul


CentraCore102181 wrote:
> I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
> sometime next month.. thanks for the info..
>
> [CentraCore & 78241]
>
> Games that I like to play!
>
> http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
> <a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
> href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
> Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
> <a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>
>
>
>
> Elle wrote:
> > A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> > getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> > in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> > known...
> >
> > Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
> >
> > Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> > the repair will rise.
> >
> > <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> > >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> > >great when
> > > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > > about 30-40
> > > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > > overheat. There
> > > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > > it almost
> > > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > > coolant that
> > > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > > ECT sensor that
> > > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > > radiator is
> > > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > > somewhere in the
> > > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > > the cylinder
> > > head would render an engine almost useless
> >
> > No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> > into the cooling system, or both.
> >
> > Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> > oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> > Frosty consistency?).
> >
> > > and since the engine is
> > > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > > somewhere
> > > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > > to take in
> > > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

Thanks for the responses. I did a cyl compression test today.
Starting w/ cyl #4, I read a compression of about 225. The other 3
cylinders read significantly lower, closer to 190. (This could be
because I failed to notice that the adapter that came w/ my compression
gauge got left behind in cyl #4, so the remaining 3 cyls' didn't seal
tight enough, leading to lower readings--the adapter is still in #4.
It's too hot outside for me, apparently.) Ok, what stood out most to
me was that while performing the final 3 tests, coolant sprayed out of
#4. What does this indicate? Thanks again. Paul


CentraCore102181 wrote:
> I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy that car
> sometime next month.. thanks for the info..
>
> [CentraCore & 78241]
>
> Games that I like to play!
>
> http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
> <a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online Games</a> <a
> href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
> Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic Conquest</a> -
> <a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of chaos</a><br>
>
>
>
> Elle wrote:
> > A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems to be
> > getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave. Though
> > in this case, the person who sold you the car might have
> > known...
> >
> > Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
> >
> > Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the cost of
> > the repair will rise.
> >
> > <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> > >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It runs
> > >great when
> > > the coolant level is full. However, after driving for
> > > about 30-40
> > > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
> > > overheat. There
> > > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust, although
> > > it almost
> > > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
> > > coolant that
> > > comes through the vents. I've replaced the thermostat,
> > > ECT sensor that
> > > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and the
> > > radiator is
> > > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
> > > somewhere in the
> > > cylinder head? I've always thought that a malfunction in
> > > the cylinder
> > > head would render an engine almost useless
> >
> > No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or oil
> > into the cooling system, or both.
> >
> > Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant (any
> > oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
> > Frosty consistency?).
> >
> > > and since the engine is
> > > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem was
> > > somewhere
> > > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best route
> > > to take in
> > > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
> > > Thanks. Paul

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

Coolant should not spray out of any cylinder. Your 92 Civic
has a breach of the cooling system, permitting coolant to
cross an engine head gasket, head, or block boundary and get
into the cylinders. Head gasket failure is far more likely
than a head or block failure.

You could, if you felt like it, redo the test, carefully
this time, and mostly for your own and the group's
edification :-), and see if the difference between the three
cylinders and cyl #4 is still there. When performing a
compression test to help verify a head gasket failure, I
understand the biggest concern is a discrepancy between
cylinder pressures.

I can't locate online the specs for the 92 Civic, but for
the c. 1990 CRX, Concerto, and Prelude, and 1995-1997 Civic,
normal pressure is from171 to 185 psi (depending on the
exact engine), minimum is 135 psi for all, and there should
not be a difference of more than 28 psi between cylinders.
That your pressures seem so high does not seem to me to be a
concern. It's when they're really low and/or uneven that
there are concerns.

A satisfactory compression test does not mean the car is
free of a blown head gasket. Having the cooling system
pressurized and its chemistry checked (for exhaust gas
products) are the better tests for a blown head gasket.

Google has a lot of discussion on this. If you're doing
compression tests, you're way smart enough to identify key
words like {"compression test" "head gasket"} and search for
them. Many hits come up to help the average Joe or Jane with
his/her car.

<jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> Thanks for the responses. I did a cyl compression test
> today.
> Starting w/ cyl #4, I read a compression of about 225.
> The other 3
> cylinders read significantly lower, closer to 190. (This
> could be
> because I failed to notice that the adapter that came w/
> my compression
> gauge got left behind in cyl #4, so the remaining 3 cyls'
> didn't seal
> tight enough, leading to lower readings--the adapter is
> still in #4.
> It's too hot outside for me, apparently.) Ok, what stood
> out most to
> me was that while performing the final 3 tests, coolant
> sprayed out of
> #4. What does this indicate? Thanks again. Paul
>
>
> CentraCore102181 wrote:
>> I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy
>> that car
>> sometime next month.. thanks for the info..
>>
>> [CentraCore & 78241]
>>
>> Games that I like to play!
>>
>> http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
>> <a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online
>> Games</a> <a
>> href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
>> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
>> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
>> Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic
>> Conquest</a> -
>> <a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy
>> Games</a><br><a
>> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
>> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of
>> chaos</a><br>
>>
>>
>>
>> Elle wrote:
>> > A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems
>> > to be
>> > getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave.
>> > Though
>> > in this case, the person who sold you the car might
>> > have
>> > known...
>> >
>> > Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
>> >
>> > Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the
>> > cost of
>> > the repair will rise.
>> >
>> > <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
>> > >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It
>> > >runs
>> > >great when
>> > > the coolant level is full. However, after driving
>> > > for
>> > > about 30-40
>> > > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
>> > > overheat. There
>> > > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust,
>> > > although
>> > > it almost
>> > > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
>> > > coolant that
>> > > comes through the vents. I've replaced the
>> > > thermostat,
>> > > ECT sensor that
>> > > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and
>> > > the
>> > > radiator is
>> > > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
>> > > somewhere in the
>> > > cylinder head? I've always thought that a
>> > > malfunction in
>> > > the cylinder
>> > > head would render an engine almost useless
>> >
>> > No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or
>> > oil
>> > into the cooling system, or both.
>> >
>> > Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant
>> > (any
>> > oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
>> > Frosty consistency?).
>> >
>> > > and since the engine is
>> > > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem
>> > > was
>> > > somewhere
>> > > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best
>> > > route
>> > > to take in
>> > > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
>> > > Thanks. Paul
>

Re: 92 Civic losing coolant and overheating
 

Coolant should not spray out of any cylinder. Your 92 Civic
has a breach of the cooling system, permitting coolant to
cross an engine head gasket, head, or block boundary and get
into the cylinders. Head gasket failure is far more likely
than a head or block failure.

You could, if you felt like it, redo the test, carefully
this time, and mostly for your own and the group's
edification :-), and see if the difference between the three
cylinders and cyl #4 is still there. When performing a
compression test to help verify a head gasket failure, I
understand the biggest concern is a discrepancy between
cylinder pressures.

I can't locate online the specs for the 92 Civic, but for
the c. 1990 CRX, Concerto, and Prelude, and 1995-1997 Civic,
normal pressure is from171 to 185 psi (depending on the
exact engine), minimum is 135 psi for all, and there should
not be a difference of more than 28 psi between cylinders.
That your pressures seem so high does not seem to me to be a
concern. It's when they're really low and/or uneven that
there are concerns.

A satisfactory compression test does not mean the car is
free of a blown head gasket. Having the cooling system
pressurized and its chemistry checked (for exhaust gas
products) are the better tests for a blown head gasket.

Google has a lot of discussion on this. If you're doing
compression tests, you're way smart enough to identify key
words like {"compression test" "head gasket"} and search for
them. Many hits come up to help the average Joe or Jane with
his/her car.

<jophus@gmail.com> wrote
> Thanks for the responses. I did a cyl compression test
> today.
> Starting w/ cyl #4, I read a compression of about 225.
> The other 3
> cylinders read significantly lower, closer to 190. (This
> could be
> because I failed to notice that the adapter that came w/
> my compression
> gauge got left behind in cyl #4, so the remaining 3 cyls'
> didn't seal
> tight enough, leading to lower readings--the adapter is
> still in #4.
> It's too hot outside for me, apparently.) Ok, what stood
> out most to
> me was that while performing the final 3 tests, coolant
> sprayed out of
> #4. What does this indicate? Thanks again. Paul
>
>
> CentraCore102181 wrote:
>> I will tell a friend of mine.. he was looking into buy
>> that car
>> sometime next month.. thanks for the info..
>>
>> [CentraCore & 78241]
>>
>> Games that I like to play!
>>
>> http://uc1.GamesTotal.com/?tft=2cd1
>> <a href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Multiplayer Online
>> Games</a> <a
>> href=http://www.gamestotal.com/>Strategy Games</a><br><a
>> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Unification Wars</a> - <a
>> href=http://uc.gamestotal.com/>Massive Multiplayer Online
>> Games</a><br><a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Galactic
>> Conquest</a> -
>> <a href=http://gc.gamestotal.com/>Strategy
>> Games</a><br><a
>> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/runescape.htm>Runescape</a><br><a
>> href=http://www.stephenyong.com/kingsofchaos.htm>Kings of
>> chaos</a><br>
>>
>>
>>
>> Elle wrote:
>> > A head gasket failure is more likely. The group seems
>> > to be
>> > getting a lot of such failures due to the heat wave.
>> > Though
>> > in this case, the person who sold you the car might
>> > have
>> > known...
>> >
>> > Repair will cost around $500 to $1000 at a shop.
>> >
>> > Do not drive the car. If it overheats too much, the
>> > cost of
>> > the repair will rise.
>> >
>> > <jophus@gmail.com> wrote
>> > >I just bought a 92 Civic 1.5L with 193,000 miles. It
>> > >runs
>> > >great when
>> > > the coolant level is full. However, after driving
>> > > for
>> > > about 30-40
>> > > miles, it loses enough coolant to cause the engine to
>> > > overheat. There
>> > > is very slight evidence of white smoke exhaust,
>> > > although
>> > > it almost
>> > > undetectable. When I start it, there is the smell of
>> > > coolant that
>> > > comes through the vents. I've replaced the
>> > > thermostat,
>> > > ECT sensor that
>> > > goes to the fan, upper and lower radiator hoses, and
>> > > the
>> > > radiator is
>> > > new. Does this indicate that I have a small crack
>> > > somewhere in the
>> > > cylinder head? I've always thought that a
>> > > malfunction in
>> > > the cylinder
>> > > head would render an engine almost useless
>> >
>> > No, it just leaks either coolant into the cylinders or
>> > oil
>> > into the cooling system, or both.
>> >
>> > Thus you can also check the appearance of the coolant
>> > (any
>> > oil in it?) and oil (is it looking thick, like Wendy's
>> > Frosty consistency?).
>> >
>> > > and since the engine is
>> > > strong (when not overheating), I assumed the problem
>> > > was
>> > > somewhere
>> > > else. If it is the cylinder head, which is the best
>> > > route
>> > > to take in
>> > > purchasing a new head: brand new or remanufactured?
>> > > Thanks. Paul
>