1991 Honda Accord Overheating

1991 HONDA ACCORD
130,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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KAYVAN
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Hi, I have a Honda Accord 1991 EX and the milage is 130000, recently my car overheated very bad and when I checked it I realize that the radiator was leaking so I bought a used one and replace it myself, I also change the thermostat, Now I pour the antifreze coolent and start the car but again after 5 min start overheating! could you tell me what could be wrong? do I have to do anything else beside changing the radiator? Thanks
Jun 18, 2008 at 4:04 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat,Pressure test the Rad. cap,Clogged radiator,Fan clutch,Radiator electrical fan,collaspe hoses,water pump
Jun 18, 2008 at 4:15 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi kayvan,

If you did not bleed the system, do it.
Jun 19, 2008 at 9:22 AM
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KAYVAN
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Hi KHLow2008,

How can I bleed the system? would you please explain how to do? thanks
Jun 20, 2008 at 9:52 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi kayvan,

At top part of the thermostat housing you will find a 12 mm hex nut with a hole, that is the bleeder nut.

Unloosen it a little and top up from the radiator neck till coolant comes out of the bleeder nut. Retighten the nut and keep topping till the radiator is full.

Start engine with radiator cap off. (If coolant shoots out, no need to test further, the head gasket is blown) If coolant level in radiator drops, keep topping up, after 5 mins, turn AC on and run for another 10 mins. Top up whenever necessary.

Bleeding is now done, close radiator cap.

Good luck.
Jun 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
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KAYVAN
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Hello,
The AC dont work on my car, so how to do if no AC?
Also I should mention that after 5 mins that car is on the engine start to work strange, like somebody is pushing the Gas padel and off but my feet is not on the padel and then the car over heat.
By the way, I bought the radioator used from junk yard, could be that a problem if dont leak?

Thanks very much for your help

Kayvan
Jun 24, 2008 at 8:17 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi kayvan,

If the thremostat is not immersed in water, it would not work. If you bleed from the bleeder hole, water would get to the thermostat.

If you AC is not working, skip that part.

If the engine overheats and the radiator and AC fans don't start working, you need to check if they are faulty.

When the engine starts to hunt after starting for a short while, you need to check for blockages in the small hoses connected to the EACV, fast idle and throttle body.

A used radiator is not the problem, if it is clogged, at least it will take some time before it overheats.
Jun 25, 2008 at 7:35 AM
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KAYVAN
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the small hoses connected to the EACV, fast idle and throttle body, where exactly are these hoses?
one of the fan works after I trun off the car but other dont work, is this normal?

Thanks very much
Jun 26, 2008 at 10:28 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi kayvan,

If the engine temp is high when you turn it off, the fan would work for a short while. If it happens most of the time, there is a lack of coolant in the system. If the fan don't cut off after more than a few mins, the fan relay is faulty.

The bypass hoses are attached to the EACV and fast idle valve which are located on the front part of the intake manifold. Throttle body is the part where the accelerator cable ends.
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:18 AM