civic head gasket? (Page 1/1)
oldrock2401 JUN 28, 03:37 PM
I have kind of been having cooling issues since I got my 96 ex (2 weeks ago). I burped the system and everything was fine...or so I thought. Last couple times I have driven it the temp gauge has stayed perfectly fine right in the middle, never got hot or anything once.

Well I checked my coolant level after everytime I took it out and have needed a little coolant each and every time. Theres no external leaks. The oil level has stayed right where it was when I got it, has not burned any at all. No oil in my coolant and no coolant in my oil. Someone gave me some advice to start the car with the radiator cap off after the car has sat overnight and is completely cold. I did and maybe a few drops squirted out of the radiator, would that be because of an internal head gasket leak? The car runs perfect, never stumbles, never hesitates, just smooth as silk. Should I start looking for a head gasket kit or is there anything else that would cause pressure like that at start up. Have done a compression check, all was fine, did one of those block tests from napa (where u use the blue fluid) and passed that as well. I have bubbles coming out of the radiator allllll of the time which is what leading me to believe its the hg, I have bled and flushed the system multiple times. Car has a new radiator. Also there is no white smoke from the exhuast.

Any opinions

[This message has been edited by oldrock2401 (edited 06-28-2013).]

V8 Vega JUN 28, 09:09 PM
I'd be absolutely certain its the head gasket before I did that extensive major job. Adding a little coolant once in a while isn't that big of a pain, your in no hurry. My Fiero 87 GT always has used coolant and I've had it for years. If I have the recovery tank near full it belches it out so I keep it a little low.
oldrock2401 JUN 29, 09:56 AM
Head gaskets on the d16y8 aren't that hard, just dont want to waste a day doing it if thats not it. Everyone tells me to have a leak down test on it but dont know anyone with the attachment to put in the spark plug socket. Just would like other opinions on what to check for.
FieroGT42 JUL 16, 09:38 PM
Should be able to rent a full compression testing kit at any AutoZone, O'Reilly, etc. for free. (refundable deposit)
Rodrv6 JUL 18, 11:27 AM
Pull the spark plugs out and look at them. If one of them looks brand new clean compared to the others, you've found your leak. A coolant leak into a cylinder tends to "steam clean" that cylinder.......

------------------
Rod Schneider, Ball Ground, Ga.
"You can't have too many toys!"
1988 Fiero GT
1987 Porsche 944S
1987 Corvette
1966 Porsche 911
2001 Chrysler 300M
Van's RV-6 airplane-at the airport, nearly ready to fly