Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
"quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from NM,
with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not topped
off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving, I see the
reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive white smoke in
the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I haven't sniffed it
specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I don't smell coolant
inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet
Winter weather. How common are internal head gasket leaks in this
engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from NM,
> with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not topped
> off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving, I see the
> reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive white smoke in
> the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I haven't sniffed it
> specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I don't smell coolant
> inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet
> Winter weather. How common are internal head gasket leaks in this
> engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?
Hi,
First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

Tony Hwang wrote:
> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>
>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
>> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from NM,
>> with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not
>> topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving,
>> I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive
>> white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I
>> haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I
>> don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot a
>> slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common are internal head
>> gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?
>
> Hi,
> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.


Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
doesn't work. Thanks.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
> Tony Hwang wrote:
>
>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>
>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
>>> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from
>>> NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not
>>> topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving,
>>> I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive
>>> white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I
>>> haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I
>>> don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot
>>> a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common are internal head
>>> gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>
>
>
> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
> problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
> doesn't work. Thanks.


I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests (I
gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
leave it alone? Any suggestions?

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>> Tony Hwang wrote:
>>
>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>
>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>> add "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came
>>>> from NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was
>>>> simply not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only
>>>> moderate driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I
>>>> don't see excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze
>>>> in it - although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet.
>>>> The oil looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It
>>>> would be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How
>>>> common are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to
>>>> slow leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>> problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>> doesn't work. Thanks.
>
>
> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests (I
> gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
> something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
> going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
> leave it alone? Any suggestions?

go for at least a 20 minute run, then look at the coolant reservoir
while the engine's still running. [make sure you can see in, but don't
lift the hose above the coolant surface!!!] any bubbles? if so, it's
gasket. also, check under the car and look at the bottom of the timing
belt cover. any coolant? if so, it's the pump.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

On Feb 18, 4:20 pm, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from NM,
> with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not topped
> off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving, I see the
> reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive white smoke in
> the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I haven't sniffed it
> specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I don't smell coolant
> inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet
> Winter weather. How common are internal head gasket leaks in this
> engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?


low odds but this happened to me

i used some type of radiator additive that was supposed to kep things
cooler instead it made my honda go through radiator fluid and make me
think that i had a blown head gasket. I would try to flush the system
first and start fresh. Next feel the upper rediator hose with your
hand after warm up. Do you feel fluid and is the hose good. Low odds
but upper radiator hoses can collapse internally and are soo tough to
diagnose. Possible that the thermostat is sticking if no fluid
passing you have a problem. Next burp the system get excess air out by
adding water and squeeze the upper hose till bubles come out of the
radiator top fill hole repeat over and over till no more bubbles.

if still no progress either radiator shot, head gasket, water pump


start low cost and confirm all low cost items are good

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

Ray wrote:
> On Feb 18, 4:20 pm, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
> <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to add
>>"quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from NM,
>>with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply not topped
>>off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate driving, I see the
>>reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see excessive white smoke in
>>the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it - although I haven't sniffed it
>>specifically for that, yet. The oil looks fine. I don't smell coolant
>>inside the car, either. It would be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet
>>Winter weather. How common are internal head gasket leaks in this
>>engine, as opposed to slow leaks in the reservoirs?
>
>
>
> low odds but this happened to me
>
> i used some type of radiator additive that was supposed to kep things
> cooler instead it made my honda go through radiator fluid and make me
> think that i had a blown head gasket. I would try to flush the system
> first and start fresh. Next feel the upper rediator hose with your
> hand after warm up. Do you feel fluid and is the hose good. Low odds
> but upper radiator hoses can collapse internally and are soo tough to
> diagnose. Possible that the thermostat is sticking if no fluid
> passing you have a problem. Next burp the system get excess air out by
> adding water and squeeze the upper hose till bubles come out of the
> radiator top fill hole repeat over and over till no more bubbles.
>
> if still no progress either radiator shot, head gasket, water pump
>
>
> start low cost and confirm all low cost items are good
>
>
>
>
Here's the problem: I have an appointment *tomorrow* to drop the
car off to have the timing belt and water pump replaced, to take
advantage of a 2 week service sale. They will be replacing the coolant,
but I have to decide if I'm having them do the head gasket then,
obviously. BTW, the engine has always run perectly cool, even in very
hot weather, so I'm inclined to think the flow is ok...

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
news:_8Iuj.4853$0%3.3542@trnddc06:

> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>> Tony Hwang wrote:
>>
>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>
>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>> add
>>>> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from
>>>> NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply
>>>> not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate
>>>> driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see
>>>> excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it -
>>>> although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil
>>>> looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would
>>>> be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common
>>>> are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow
>>>> leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>> problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>> doesn't work. Thanks.
>
>
> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests
> (I
> gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
> something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
> going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
> leave it alone? Any suggestions?
>



The pressure test needs to be performed in two places.
1) the cooling system, and
2) the combusion chambers.

the first is done in conjuction with the introduction of UV dye to the
coolant, this being detected on the outside with a black light. The
second consists of shop air being blown into each combustion chamber,
then the rad filler neck being then inspected for bubbles.

There is a third test that uses special paper test strips dipped into
the rad filler neck. These change color in the presence of combustion
gases in the coolant.

Your problem is NOT the rad cap. If it were, the reservoir would be
FULL.

There is also the possibility of a worn water pump. In that case the
coolant would drip down the block under the timing belt cover and may
not be obvious. Findinig that leak means carefully inspecting the crank
pulley area.

Do not put this off. You WILL damage your engine, possibly badly. You're
supposed to check your coolant level every time you open the hood, or at
least once a week.



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

Tegger wrote:
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
> news:_8Iuj.4853$0%3.3542@trnddc06:
>
>
>>mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>
>>>Tony Hwang wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>>> add
>>>>>"quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from
>>>>>NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply
>>>>>not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate
>>>>>driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see
>>>>>excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it -
>>>>>although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil
>>>>>looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would
>>>>>be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common
>>>>>are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow
>>>>>leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Hi,
>>>>First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>>>problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>>>doesn't work. Thanks.
>>
>>
>> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests
>> (I
>>gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
>>something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
>>going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
>>leave it alone? Any suggestions?
>>
>
>
>
>
> The pressure test needs to be performed in two places.
> 1) the cooling system, and
> 2) the combusion chambers.
>
> the first is done in conjuction with the introduction of UV dye to the
> coolant, this being detected on the outside with a black light. The
> second consists of shop air being blown into each combustion chamber,
> then the rad filler neck being then inspected for bubbles.
>
> There is a third test that uses special paper test strips dipped into
> the rad filler neck. These change color in the presence of combustion
> gases in the coolant.

The procedure in the Honda manual online in the UK is to just use a
hand pump-operated pressurizer with guage, and see if the pressure drops
in the cooling system or cap. I don't know which they used at the shop...

>
> Your problem is NOT the rad cap. If it were, the reservoir would be
> FULL.

Good point.


>
> There is also the possibility of a worn water pump. In that case the
> coolant would drip down the block under the timing belt cover and may
> not be obvious. Findinig that leak means carefully inspecting the crank
> pulley area.
>
> Do not put this off. You WILL damage your engine, possibly badly. You're
> supposed to check your coolant level every time you open the hood, or at
> least once a week.
>
>

What I'm going to do, assuming I can even afford the cost of a new
gasket done by the dealer, is to tell them to look for leaks, especially
at the water pump. If they find none, I'll have them replace the head
gasket. Shouldn't they install the new timing belt and water pump for no
extra labor charge (they will be providing the parts, not me) when they
do the gasket? I'm also having the front oil seals replaced as a
preventive measure. Thanks for your response. If you could answer this
post before this evening, when I drop it off, I'd appreciate it greatly.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

On 2/20/08 6:20 AM, in article gWUuj.16648$FK2.1405@trndny08,
"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:

> Tegger wrote:
>> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
>> news:_8Iuj.4853$0%3.3542@trnddc06:
>>
>>
>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Tony Hwang wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>>>> add
>>>>>> "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from
>>>>>> NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply
>>>>>> not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate
>>>>>> driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see
>>>>>> excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it -
>>>>>> although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil
>>>>>> looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would
>>>>>> be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common
>>>>>> are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow
>>>>>> leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>>>> problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>>>> doesn't work. Thanks.
>>>
>>>
>>> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests
>>> (I
>>> gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
>>> something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
>>> going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
>>> leave it alone? Any suggestions?
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The pressure test needs to be performed in two places.
>> 1) the cooling system, and
>> 2) the combusion chambers.
>>
>> the first is done in conjuction with the introduction of UV dye to the
>> coolant, this being detected on the outside with a black light. The
>> second consists of shop air being blown into each combustion chamber,
>> then the rad filler neck being then inspected for bubbles.
>>
>> There is a third test that uses special paper test strips dipped into
>> the rad filler neck. These change color in the presence of combustion
>> gases in the coolant.
>
> The procedure in the Honda manual online in the UK is to just use a
> hand pump-operated pressurizer with guage, and see if the pressure drops
> in the cooling system or cap. I don't know which they used at the shop...
>
>>
>> Your problem is NOT the rad cap. If it were, the reservoir would be
>> FULL.
>
> Good point.
>
>
>>
>> There is also the possibility of a worn water pump. In that case the
>> coolant would drip down the block under the timing belt cover and may
>> not be obvious. Findinig that leak means carefully inspecting the crank
>> pulley area.
>>
>> Do not put this off. You WILL damage your engine, possibly badly. You're
>> supposed to check your coolant level every time you open the hood, or at
>> least once a week.
>>
>>
>
> What I'm going to do, assuming I can even afford the cost of a new
> gasket done by the dealer, is to tell them to look for leaks, especially
> at the water pump. If they find none, I'll have them replace the head
> gasket. Shouldn't they install the new timing belt and water pump for no
> extra labor charge (they will be providing the parts, not me) when they
> do the gasket? I'm also having the front oil seals replaced as a
> preventive measure. Thanks for your response. If you could answer this
> post before this evening, when I drop it off, I'd appreciate it greatly.

Seems like you're jumping the gun a little bit here. How low was it in the
reservoir? When you say reservoir do you just mean the overflow tank, or
the radiator?

In normal use, the system will settle out to where the overflow tank sits at
the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will rise to around
the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running for a while.

I certainly would not spend money replacing a head gasket that has not even
been diagnosed. There is not enough info here to even say for sure that
there is a problem.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

E Meyer wrote:

> Seems like you're jumping the gun a little bit here. How low was it in the
> reservoir? When you say reservoir do you just mean the overflow tank, or
> the radiator?
>
> In normal use, the system will settle out to where the overflow tank sits at
> the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will rise to around
> the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running for a while.

----------------------------

Where did you get this bit of misinformation? I've owned six Hondas and
the level in the reservoir never changes more than about 1", hot or
cold, summer or winter.

If yours changes that much, there's something radically wrong from what
the Honda engineers designed.

'Curly'

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

On 2/20/08 11:03 AM, in article 13ron1td7br568a@corp.supernews.com,
"motsco_" <motsco_@interbaun.com> wrote:

> E Meyer wrote:
>
>> Seems like you're jumping the gun a little bit here. How low was it in the
>> reservoir? When you say reservoir do you just mean the overflow tank, or
>> the radiator?
>>
>> In normal use, the system will settle out to where the overflow tank sits at
>> the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will rise to around
>> the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running for a while.
>
> ----------------------------
>
> Where did you get this bit of misinformation? I've owned six Hondas and
> the level in the reservoir never changes more than about 1", hot or
> cold, summer or winter.
>
> If yours changes that much, there's something radically wrong from what
> the Honda engineers designed.
>
> 'Curly'

I get my bit of "misinformation" from the behavior of 27 different cars over
a period 38 years. Where do you get yours?

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

"E Meyer" <epmeyer50@msn.com> wrote
> In normal use, the system will settle out to where the
> overflow tank sits at
> the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will
> rise to around
> the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running
> for a while.

On my 91 Civic, after years of observation, I'd say it's at
more like the mid mark on the reservoir when cool, then
right at max when warm. I am just following the manual: If
reservoir level is at low or a bit above, then warm up the
engine, and add coolant to the max mark.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

E Meyer wrote:
>
>
> On 2/20/08 6:20 AM, in article gWUuj.16648$FK2.1405@trndny08,
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Tegger wrote:
>>
>>>"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
>>>news:_8Iuj.4853$0%3.3542@trnddc06:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Tony Hwang wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>>>>> add
>>>>>>>"quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car came from
>>>>>>>NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply
>>>>>>>not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate
>>>>>>>driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see
>>>>>>>excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it -
>>>>>>>although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil
>>>>>>>looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would
>>>>>>>be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common
>>>>>>>are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow
>>>>>>>leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>>First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>>>>>problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>>>>>doesn't work. Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests
>>>> (I
>>>>gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm missing
>>>>something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
>>>>going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
>>>>leave it alone? Any suggestions?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>The pressure test needs to be performed in two places.
>>>1) the cooling system, and
>>>2) the combusion chambers.
>>>
>>>the first is done in conjuction with the introduction of UV dye to the
>>>coolant, this being detected on the outside with a black light. The
>>>second consists of shop air being blown into each combustion chamber,
>>>then the rad filler neck being then inspected for bubbles.
>>>
>>>There is a third test that uses special paper test strips dipped into
>>>the rad filler neck. These change color in the presence of combustion
>>>gases in the coolant.
>>
>> The procedure in the Honda manual online in the UK is to just use a
>>hand pump-operated pressurizer with guage, and see if the pressure drops
>>in the cooling system or cap. I don't know which they used at the shop...
>>
>>
>>>Your problem is NOT the rad cap. If it were, the reservoir would be
>>>FULL.
>>
>> Good point.
>>
>>
>>
>>>There is also the possibility of a worn water pump. In that case the
>>>coolant would drip down the block under the timing belt cover and may
>>>not be obvious. Findinig that leak means carefully inspecting the crank
>>>pulley area.
>>>
>>>Do not put this off. You WILL damage your engine, possibly badly. You're
>>>supposed to check your coolant level every time you open the hood, or at
>>>least once a week.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> What I'm going to do, assuming I can even afford the cost of a new
>>gasket done by the dealer, is to tell them to look for leaks, especially
>>at the water pump. If they find none, I'll have them replace the head
>>gasket. Shouldn't they install the new timing belt and water pump for no
>>extra labor charge (they will be providing the parts, not me) when they
>>do the gasket? I'm also having the front oil seals replaced as a
>>preventive measure. Thanks for your response. If you could answer this
>>post before this evening, when I drop it off, I'd appreciate it greatly.
>
>
> Seems like you're jumping the gun a little bit here. How low was it in the
> reservoir? When you say reservoir do you just mean the overflow tank, or
> the radiator?
>
> In normal use, the system will settle out to where the overflow tank sits at
> the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will rise to around
> the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running for a while.
>
> I certainly would not spend money replacing a head gasket that has not even
> been diagnosed. There is not enough info here to even say for sure that
> there is a problem.
>

I know. On the one hand it may be nothing. On the other it could be
engine-threatening. The dealer told us in essesnce, that we can't afford
a new gasket - didn't even quote a price. And we wonder why cars aren't
maintained like they used to be...

The reservoir was empty, or virtually so, both times.

Re: Coolant Vanishing: '95 Civic EX 1.6 - Attn Tegger and Techs
 

mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
> E Meyer wrote:
>>
>>
>> On 2/20/08 6:20 AM, in article gWUuj.16648$FK2.1405@trndny08,
>> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Tegger wrote:
>>>
>>>> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
>>>> news:_8Iuj.4853$0%3.3542@trnddc06:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Tony Hwang wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> When I had the oil changed in November, I was told they had to
>>>>>>>> add "quite a bit" of coolant to the reservoir. Since the car
>>>>>>>> came from
>>>>>>>> NM, with a spotty service record, I had hoped that it was simply
>>>>>>>> not topped off ever. Now, three months later, with only moderate
>>>>>>>> driving, I see the reservoir is virtually empty again. I don't see
>>>>>>>> excessive white smoke in the exhaust, or smell antifreeze in it -
>>>>>>>> although I haven't sniffed it specifically for that, yet. The oil
>>>>>>>> looks fine. I don't smell coolant inside the car, either. It would
>>>>>>>> be hard to spot a slow drip in this wet Winter weather. How common
>>>>>>>> are internal head gasket leaks in this engine, as opposed to slow
>>>>>>>> leaks in the reservoirs?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>> First I'd replace the rad. cap and see.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Good idea. I didn't realize that pressure leaks were such a common
>>>>>> problem. I may have the system pressure-tested if replacing the cap
>>>>>> doesn't work. Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I took the car to a local shop today. They do free pressure tests
>>>>> (I gave them $20 anyway). No leaks, including the cap. Unless I'm
>>>>> missing
>>>>> something, it has to be the #@!@# head gasket, right? Assuming it's
>>>>> going straight to the exhaust and not burning much, how safe is it to
>>>>> leave it alone? Any suggestions?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The pressure test needs to be performed in two places.
>>>> 1) the cooling system, and
>>>> 2) the combusion chambers.
>>>>
>>>> the first is done in conjuction with the introduction of UV dye to the
>>>> coolant, this being detected on the outside with a black light. The
>>>> second consists of shop air being blown into each combustion chamber,
>>>> then the rad filler neck being then inspected for bubbles.
>>>>
>>>> There is a third test that uses special paper test strips dipped into
>>>> the rad filler neck. These change color in the presence of combustion
>>>> gases in the coolant.
>>>
>>> The procedure in the Honda manual online in the UK is to just use a
>>> hand pump-operated pressurizer with guage, and see if the pressure drops
>>> in the cooling system or cap. I don't know which they used at the
>>> shop...
>>>
>>>
>>>> Your problem is NOT the rad cap. If it were, the reservoir would be
>>>> FULL.
>>>
>>> Good point.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> There is also the possibility of a worn water pump. In that case the
>>>> coolant would drip down the block under the timing belt cover and may
>>>> not be obvious. Findinig that leak means carefully inspecting the crank
>>>> pulley area.
>>>>
>>>> Do not put this off. You WILL damage your engine, possibly badly.
>>>> You're
>>>> supposed to check your coolant level every time you open the hood,
>>>> or at
>>>> least once a week.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> What I'm going to do, assuming I can even afford the cost of a new
>>> gasket done by the dealer, is to tell them to look for leaks, especially
>>> at the water pump. If they find none, I'll have them replace the head
>>> gasket. Shouldn't they install the new timing belt and water pump for no
>>> extra labor charge (they will be providing the parts, not me) when they
>>> do the gasket? I'm also having the front oil seals replaced as a
>>> preventive measure. Thanks for your response. If you could answer this
>>> post before this evening, when I drop it off, I'd appreciate it greatly.
>>
>>
>> Seems like you're jumping the gun a little bit here. How low was it
>> in the
>> reservoir? When you say reservoir do you just mean the overflow tank, or
>> the radiator?
>> In normal use, the system will settle out to where the overflow tank
>> sits at
>> the "min" mark when the engine has cooled & the level will rise to around
>> the "max" mark when the engine is hot & has been running for a while.
>>
>> I certainly would not spend money replacing a head gasket that has not
>> even
>> been diagnosed. There is not enough info here to even say for sure that
>> there is a problem.
>>
>
> I know. On the one hand it may be nothing. On the other it could be
> engine-threatening. The dealer told us in essesnce, that we can't afford
> a new gasket - didn't even quote a price. And we wonder why cars aren't
> maintained like they used to be...
>
> The reservoir was empty, or virtually so, both times.

then you either have a leak [which should be obvious somewhere - you
need to inspect properly] or you have a blown gasket. pressure tests
don't necessarily work for diagnosing gaskets unless the vehicle is at
full operating temperature. and even then... observing bubbles in the
coolant is the only sure-fire way of knowing.

bottom line, it's pointless spending money on the belt until you have a
correct diagnosis.

also, for repair economics, given the money that some repair shops
charge for head gasket work, it may be more economic to replace the
whole engine. you can buy a jdm import for a few hundred bucks and
replacement time is way lower than the time necessary to strip, clean,
prep and reassemble a motor for a gasket. and there's the problem of
repair shops using abrasives in preparation witch will in due course,
cause the car to burn oil. and there's the problem of many places
insisting on skimming your head, even if it doesn't need it.