Honda Civic Engine Overheated – Head Gasket Bad?
Reader Question Austin, Hi, I have a 2000 Civic 1.6L. I drove it way too much while the temp. gauge was in the red and overheated it. I took it to a Firestone dealer. They said the water pump was leaking(which is the cause of the overheating) and the radiator melted to the point where you could not take off the cap.
I approved them to do all the work. They also checked the compression and did a block test which both checked ok. After the repairs the engine ran fine.
I drove 300 miles and it ran hot again. I took it to another Firestone dealer and they said the fans were not working correctly and replaced them. Shortly thereafter it ran hot again and I took it to another Firestone dealer. They said the head gasket was no good causing the running hot.
I have a question. Is it possible for a head gasket to be bad/weak to the point that it would perform OK for a few hundred miles then run hot again?
Thank you,
Charles
Hello there Charles,
Take this vehicle to the Honda dealer to get a proper diagnosis. Firestone is great for tires and oil changes but I would NOT use them for anything that required any real mechanic know how or diagnosis. You need to get a “cooling system pressure test” first! This is simple and cheap and can be done while you wait. This test will also test for a blown head gasket.
Yes, the headgasket leak COULD run fine for a while without any troubles, but I have a feeling something else is happening here. Although, overheating this small aluminum engine is NOT good news at all and you would be super lucky if you did NOT do internal engine damage already.
You did not mention anything in your email that would indicate a blown head gasket, but if by chance the dealer suspects that is what is happening you might want to try this suggestion I talk about first before sinking more money into this vehicle
Blessings,
Austin Davis
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Filed under: Over Heating
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My 99 Civic similar problem. Ran “hot” one day, took it to my mechanic – he replaced the radiator/thermostat and did a coolant flush. 2 days later, ran Hot again. I took it back. He replaced a “hose.” 2 days later, ran hot again, but noticed I could control the temp gauge by giving the car more “gas” while in neutral. Took it to Express Oil Change, they believe the head gasket is bad and I’ll need a new engine. Sucks, before it ran hot, this car was in perfect condition! any advice is helpful.
Get a dealership diagnosis, I doubt you need a new engine. Guessing will always cost more than a diagnosis from a qualified mechanic. this could be a simple electric cooling fan motor problem or an air pocket in the cooling system. Keep me posted.
i have an 04 civic lx. the ac fan stopped working and sharted getting hot. since then i have replaced the fan just to find it heating up again, but not on a regular basis. it did get hot and i had to replace the thermostat and it was fine for over a week. then out of nowhere, hot… replaced thermo again and fine for several days. did get hot i pulled over and replaced water in reserve tank where while hot water and steam pouring out. radiator was still full. thought it was head gasket and had checked 3 times and showing no sign on problem. now at a lost. radiator??? cracked block??? help
I would be suspect of a clogged radiator although I would first get a cooling system pressure test and rule out an internal or external cooling leak. These small radiators get clogged up pretty easily and replacement is the only real cure.
So far, radiator is working. still early. back in a week or so.
Got all my fingers and toes crossed.