Engine idling and coolant issue
 

Good Saturday to all! Just a quick question on my 1992 Accord EX. Last night as I pulled into my driveway from work all of a sudden there was a bunch of steam rolling out from under my hood. Couldn't see much in the dark so I tackled it this morning. I refilled the radiator with water and let it warm up and the idle started surging up and down (which it never did before this) and steam was rolling out from under the distributor area. The car is an auto tranny with 267000 on the ticker. Any help is appreciated. Thanks guys!

Let me add that the temp gauge was mid level like normal but the cooling fan came on while this was happening.

Lower radiator hose runs under the distributor. Need to find and repair leak before driving.

A cold engine pressure test may allow closer inspection and detection of the leak.

good luck

Thank you TexasHonda! I will take a look at that. Any reason you think why it would have an erratic idle after this issue?

TexasHonda, I found a smaller hose (maybe one for the heater) bulging and leaking right where it connects under the distributor. Thanks again for the help!

Be sure to use OEM hoses that are shaped to fit and last.

Sometimes low coolant level can result in idle instability. Repair leak, refill w/ coolant, and bleed all air from the system.

Idle cycling can also be caused by large intake air leaks; PCV, vacuum booster line, etc.

good luck