1994 Honda Accord overheats when stopped
Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
I'd check the radiator fins and the a/c condenser fins for debris/cloggs. You can use something like coil cleaner on the fins and use the light spray setting to rinse off the cleaner.
Check your local parts store for a radiator pressure tester as a loaner tool. You want to make sure your cooling system isn't leaking. You can also test the radiator cap with these kits. Just based on your description with how the overflow is behaving, you may just need a new radiator cap if you are not having to add more coolant to keep the system full.
Check your local parts store for a radiator pressure tester as a loaner tool. You want to make sure your cooling system isn't leaking. You can also test the radiator cap with these kits. Just based on your description with how the overflow is behaving, you may just need a new radiator cap if you are not having to add more coolant to keep the system full.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,329
From: Houston, TX
Also, check that the hose that goes down into the overflow container is connected and doesn't have any holes/tears. If that hose is damaged or missing, then radiator can't draw the coolant into the radiator as it cools when the engine is off.
Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
today i drove it 90 miles 45 miles each direction, the overfill container would fill up 3 inches above the max line, that happens about every 10 miles, when i pull over to let it cool for 10 minutes the coolant returns to the radiator.. i did take the thermostat out about a month ago just to see what happens, i think im going to put it back in tomorrow..
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,329
From: Houston, TX
If the coolant is filled to the max line when the engine is cold, then it is normal for the level to get higher when the coolant warms up. The coolant expands and is put into the overflow tank. As long as the coolant doesn't get to the top, then everything is fine with the overflow.
Reinstall the thermostat. I usually recommend the Honda thermostat if you are replacing as it will open with the correct temperature.
Is your temp gauge still rising when at a stop?
Reinstall the thermostat. I usually recommend the Honda thermostat if you are replacing as it will open with the correct temperature.
Is your temp gauge still rising when at a stop?
Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
If the coolant is filled to the max line when the engine is cold, then it is normal for the level to get higher when the coolant warms up. The coolant expands and is put into the overflow tank. As long as the coolant doesn't get to the top, then everything is fine with the overflow.
Reinstall the thermostat. I usually recommend the Honda thermostat if you are replacing as it will open with the correct temperature.
Is your temp gauge still rising when at a stop?
Reinstall the thermostat. I usually recommend the Honda thermostat if you are replacing as it will open with the correct temperature.
Is your temp gauge still rising when at a stop?
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,329
From: Houston, TX
I'd pressure test the cooling system at 16 psi and see if it holds pressure. The radiator cap is reversed, where it will hold pressure up to the pressure rating on the cap. I think it is 1.1 atm which is 16 psi.
If your car is still overheating at a stop, open the hood and check that both fans are running. If you turn on the a/c, both fans should turn on and let us know if the gauge temp decreases.
If your car is still overheating at a stop, open the hood and check that both fans are running. If you turn on the a/c, both fans should turn on and let us know if the gauge temp decreases.
Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
both fans do come on when the A/C is off.. i installed thermostat and drove about 20 miles in the heat with no problems. i'll get back on this next week.