thats what distresses me so much...

 

[QUOTE=STXHonda;179441

The radiator fan comes on as soon as the engine reaches normal operating temp, then it cycles on and off periodically. The condenser fan ( passenger side i believe but not sure) comes on as soon as you switch on the A/C or when the radiator overtemps.

Under normal conditions and with the A/C off only the radiator fan should be coming on.

Hope that helps.

New here, by the way.[/QUOTE]

First off Welcome to our little corner of the NET..
let me correct you..hope you do not get offended ,, but i want the correct info to be spread around our forum ....

..Main cooling fan is on the passenger side,,,,,,a/c condensor fan on driver side..........When engine reaches normal temp. t-stat opened BOTH FANS should come on, and both fans cycle according to coolant temp........if only 1 fan or neither fan come on, you got an issue

With the a/c engaged BOTH fans should come on and cycle on and off ..again if only 1 or neither fan come on there is a problem ...

Now on this overheating issue........

First off make sure that cooling system is bled properly, make sure that t-stat opens fully,, lower rad hose as hot as top hose, BOTH fans come on when coolant reaches the pre-set temp. ( about 1/2 to 5/8 on the gauge ).......
if all these work properly and engine overheats ,, since rad and cap are new and assuming in proper working condition,,,,,,,,DO A LEAKAGE TEST ,, it would tell you if you got a blown head gasket.......

Now.......if lower hose is not hot,,,,,,,,,,,,t-stat is stuck closed

if t-stat opens and fans do not come on,,jump the switch at t-stat housing ( make sure to have a good connection ), if both fans come on you got a bad switch

if fans do not come on,, it need to be diagnosed,,,,,,,fuses? relay? wiring ? motor?

i have only seen 1 water pump so badly corroded fins that it caused an issue ,, although possible i would be very surprised that the pump fins are all corroded to cause this simptom


there is a good trouble shooting guide on the DIY section .......( ...member take a look great info site ) ..
click on the link.. go to trouble shooting and go to overheating........

 

my mechanic is retorquing the head at this very moment.
will update asap.

 

update;
i finally got my car back, with the second head gasket job done free of charge.
its running cool and so far no engine problems.

is there anything special i should do maintenance wise?
i am hoping this car will now last a long time!

 

Rinse & replace the coolant every 2 years. Honda likes to pretend it lasts forever, but I don't believe it.