Overheats when idling

[Guest Anonymous]

My 74 2002 has started to run very hot. I don't think it is a cracked head as there does not seem to be any coolant mixing with the oil or any white smoke out the tail pipe unless this is not always a symptom. What are some things to check? It's not the temp gauge cause it has actually overheated once on a short run to the grocery store. Thanks.

[Guest Anonymous]

I replaced the thermostat in mine, becuase that is a common problem. And that fixed it for a while, but then it came back. Which really perplexed me.

Now I am going to look in the radiator for some blockage. In the hondas you need to do this while the car is running (I assume that is universal)and have a friend step on the gas. When he steps on the gas and revs teh engine you should see a dramatic increase in movement from the fluids.

Hope this is some help. Good luck

[Guest Anonymous]

Water pump, thermostat, and radiator are the likely culprits. Check belt tension and look for leakage from the pump. Yank the t'stat and test on the stove with a thermometer. Look inside the rad to see if the coolant is flowing and if there is any appreciable scale build-up. Grab the upper and lower hoses to see if there is a temperature differential when running.

[Guest Anonymous]

be sure and suspend it from a string into the water, don't just let it sit on the bottom of the pan. Heat will conduct from pan to 'stat body and mess up your temp readings, as the metal pan will be hotter than the water it contains. Old time (from my late father-in-law) mechanic's trick.

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

Allowing a T-stat to dry out may make it inoperable prior to installation. so, even with a new T-stat its a good idea to do the test to make sure it works correctly.

anybody ever drill a hole in thier T-stat so it flows a little even when cold?

[Guest Anonymous]

I drilled the bypass hole(as per McCartneys book)after I couldn't get the new Tstat to open up. The small hole just prevents an air bubble from forming that keeps the Tstat closed. Usually massging the hoses will resolve, but it didn't this time.

[Guest Anonymous]

Does it only overheat while idling, or does the temp go down while moving?

[Guest Anonymous]

Did it just one day start running hot or did it gradually start running warmer and warmer

[Guest Anonymous]

when the water pump bearing seals go bad,

coolant visibly leaks down the front timing cover

and air can possibly get sucked in. I solved the

same problem you are having by installing a new

water pump, and finale'ing with filling the radiator

part way, then running the motor to circulate water,

then pulling off the top hose from the radiator and

funneling in until it spits back out, then re-attach

the hose quick like a bunny, and top off normally.

It's easy If I can do it,

E