[skatewood7]

Ok i have a 1986 crx si the temperature gauge has been saying its overheating really bad, but when i check out the engine its fine its actually having a hard time getting warmed. it doesnt blow out any hot or semi warm air or anything. after a my radiator went out so i replaced it but its still doing the same thing.

 

[tubafreak]

You'll want to replace your thermostat (remember to get a new gasket while you're at it) . That should fix the problem of the car not warming up and probably the gauge too. If that doesn't fix it then the coolant temperature sensor is next (if they're on first gens that is).

For a thermostat, OEM Honda is the best way to go, same price as from advance auto, but Honda quality (probably the same exact thing, but it's always nice to know).

 

[dohcrxl]

Your car CAN be overheating even though you are not getting any heat. This is because if you do not have the system properly bled, certian parts of the engine will be overheating while others are not. The very first thing you need to do is bleed the sysetm and refill the radiator.

If the system is properly bled and is still overheating, it is then that your thermostat is the likely problem. But, one step at a time.

 

[ludesrv]

^^^ is right. Bleed your coolant system first. It's free, and it takes 15 minutes. Just run the car with the rad cap off and add coolant if the level goes down. Make sure that both hoses get warm, that's how you know everything is circulating. You could also have a massive air pocket in between your engine and your heater, causing next to no heat in your cabin, fatal to your engine in a short amount of time too. IF the level is fine and you are sure there is no air in the system, then change the thermostat. If that doesn't work, replace the temp sensor. If the problem precist check the continuity between your cluster and the sensor, maybe a faulty wire giving out a bad reading.

 

[skatewood7]

well i replaced the thermostat already. and it still persites. I am changing out the radiator and ill bleed the system and see what that does.

 

[jfrolang]

persists, dudes.

 

[skatewood7]

ok this probably sounds stupid to all of you but im new to this. ive been looking at my car and have no idea what i have to do to change my radiator. Im not an idiot when it comes to cars but i dont want to do anything that is not necessary. So does any one have any advice on how to do that easily?

 

[jfrolang]

The radiator is pretty easy, you can even do it without lifting the car in a pinch. I don't know exactly how an 86 is, but here's how it's done on a 2nd gen.

1. Let the engine cool off
2. Open the radiator cap and drain the radiator
3. Disconnect the hoses from the radiator
4. Unplug the fan
5. Remove the upper radiator mounts
6. Lift the rad out
7. Transfer the fan assembly and drain plug to the new rad
8. Put the new rad back in, making sure the pegs on the bottom go into the lower mounts
9. Replace the upper mounts
10. Connect the hoses and fan switch
11. Refill the rad with fresh coolant (mix 50/50 with water if it's not pre-mixed)
12. Check for leaks
13. Start the engine, let it warm up
14. Refill the rad if it gets low
15. Make sure the fan comes on at least once
16. Replace the radiator cap.

I also recommend emptying the overflow tank and refilling it with fresh coolant.