imported_snguy82

here's the situation: I have a 93 honda civic dx (hb). Last few days I've noticed green coolant fluid sprayed all over my engine bay. Also, the coolant resevoir was going low, so I topped it off. I checked the hose on my radiator and they seem fine. I then assumed the seals on the rad cap must be busted, so I purchased a new one. That did not fix the problem.

Now Im thinking my radiator must be busted. Does anyone know how much it will cost to replace the radiator (either by a mechanic, or purchasing the radiator on its own)? And is this a DIY job? how easy/hard it is?

thank you

Steven

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

it's pretty straightforward. just a couple of bolts, some hoses, remove the fan, swap in a new one, and you're back on track.

but check to see where you're losing coolant first, you can't just go around replacing parts for the hell of it hoping it'll solve your problem. sometimes a rad hose will have a pinhole that you won't notice, but under pressure it'll spray like crazy. so take the car out for a drive get it nice and hot, then park it, leave it running, and pop the hood.... observe where the coolant is coming from.

imported_snguy82

I try to check out the rad today after class. The coolant resevoir was almost empty (I just top it up yesterday) - so i toped it off. My bumper and all around the rad was dripping coolant.

So then I turned on the engine and try to observe the leak. I saw nothing. Took it around the block to get the temperature up and still saw nothing. I still dont know what's the best way to spot out the leak besides standing there and watching it while the motor is running. Another thing...I dont see my fan coming on either. How do i check if my fan is working?

Unfoturnately, it was way too cold, so I couldnt stay out long. From looking at the rad, it looks like its in bad condition. The ridges (i dunno what's it called) in the rad is coming off. I can take it off with my hands. Is this a sign that I need to replace it? I'll try to get pics up tomorrow.

Do I need to take off the bumper to replace the rad?

And no, it doesnt seem like my car is smoking.

I priced out today for $160 for the rad and 30 for the thermostat (do I need to replace this?). Is it bad to go for a used rad?

Sorry about the numerous questions.

Thanx

Steven

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

no, you have to let the car run and watch it.... once the thermostat opens and coolant starts to move, that's when you'll see a leak. to check fan operation, jump the fan relay. no, the fins coming out does not mean you have to replace the rad.... just means it'll be less efficient at heat transfer. no need to take the bumper off... perhaps the undertray though. used rads are bad only cuz they might be in the same shape as yours.... it's safer to just get a new one.... shop around, you should be able to find a cheaper rad.

imported_snguy82

thanx bbarbulo for ur help.

Do you know any good place to shop for a new rad? I only know of Parts Source/Canadian tire/ and Car Quest. all priced around $140+tax.

also, do radiator's differ for Coupes/Hatchbacks? Models: DX/CX/Si's? Manual/Auto tranny and A/C and no A/C?

Gallagher

hey dude, you might find this usefull.......I made it up when I changed my rad on my civic.....


http://www.torontocivics.com/tccforu...hreadid=110998



Hope it helps, any questions, pm me

imported_snguy82

Hey,

I actually did a search already and found ur write up. Seems detailed enuff.

Im hoping to not have to take off my bumber cuz I have tried b4 and the bolts are rusted and will not come out. But I think taking off the lining underneath should be fine.

thanx again

Steven

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

there will be a diff between auto/non auto but besides that they should all be the same. some places only sell auto ones, so when you put it in a manny car you just don't hook up the tranny cooler that only autos have.

check all parts places in the yellow pages, check at least a couple dozen of them.... just checking canadian tire and partsource (they are the same place basically) and carquest isn't enough....

imported_snguy82

Hey guys, I cant seem to find the leak. Do you guys know another way besides just observing it to see the leak?

I get the car to temperature and watch it, but cant spot out the leak. But the overflow tank is constantly emptying.

thanx

imported_snguy82

Fixed the problem. Rad was leaking, got it replaced. Install was even easier than I expected. Thanx for everyone's help.

Steven

Gallagher

prolly cracked the bottom part of the rad, kinda what I did when I went 60km/h into a 6ft ditch....

imported_snguy82

It was in the middle of the core, but I couldnt spot it out. Had to bring it to rad shop, which inspected it for free. It was pretty clear where the leak was once the guy did the pressure test.

I was so worried it was the head gasket! Lost some sleep over it too.

wickedrides

I have a 2" Aluminum direct bolt-on Civic 92-00 Rad in stock ready to ship for $160 taxes incl. if you're interested. Let me know!

imported_snguy82

I bought one over the weekend already and got it done. Thanx for the offer

steve

Pyro

hey i had the same problem, my rad blew and it was leaking fluid. It's definitely a DIY job...jsut a bunch of bolts and tubes.

As for prices, i really couldn't tell you cause i was lucky enough to have a buddy's sister who has the same car as me and was totalled recently so i just swapped the rads before insurance came the next day to claim the car

Had to work in some light drizzle at like midnight but well worth it to save money haha