John Paul wrote:
> On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 07:28:50 -0700, "Michael Pardee" wrote:
>
>> The Honda coolant is not as critical as the power steering fluid or the ATF,
>> but it's pretty cheap insurance against water pump seal trouble. Being
>> premixed, there is also no concern about it being diluted with tap water,
>> which is a very bad idea. Aftermarket thermostats, on the other hand, have
>> earned a reputation for flaky operation. I gave up on them about a decade
>> ago.
>
> Well, I'm afraid I did not have a choice at the time when I found my
> radiator almost empty and use tap water to mix with the Prestone
> antifreeze as premixed one was not available. I'm taking the car in to
> my mechanic for 240 K scheduled maintenance (same as 60 K) and tell
> him to drain the cooling system and refill it with premixed coolant.
> As he deals with all kinds of Japanese cars, not just Honda, I am
> making sure he is going to use Honda brand ATF which I bought
> yesterday at a nearby Honda dealer's part store. I also bought new
> spark plugs there and oil filter. As before I'll have him use the
> Castrol 5-30 oil that I provide as he normally uses Chevron brand.
>
> From the answers so far I have not seen many that addressed the
> possible source of coolant vapor getting into the passenger
> compartment and condensating on the cold windows. My first thought was
> a heater core leak but that does not explain how the vapor gets in
> with the heat turned off. I figure it must be a very small leak if it
> does not create noticeable drop in coolant level or drips under the
> engine. I'll see what the mechanic might find tomorrow but if he
> suggest replacing the heater core I would hesitate to take that route
> due to the big labor involved with it. In that case I might try first
> to put that "Liquid Aluminum" radiator silant powder into the coolant
> and see if that helps. On the other hand some of you would probably
> say that it could hurt more than help. Any thoughts about it?
>
> JP

it's relatively uncommon for heater cores to leak since they're not as
exposed to damage. if your condensation /smells/ of coolant, then it
may be leaking, if it doesn't, then it's not. weather has been very
cold of late and windows will definitely fog up more.