Honda Car Forum

On 31 Jul 2003 11:28:01 -0700, cnholmes@juno.com (cnholmes) wrote:

|I have a 1987 Civic Hatchback w/ 1.3L 12V. My mom bought it new and
|had the dealer install A/C but never used it. It's now mine with
|166,000 miles on it and I would like to use the A/C. However, when I
|do use it, the tempurature guage starts climbing during highway
|driving until I shut it off just before the needle goes into the red.
|
|Today, I pulled the radiator out to check for obstructions in the
|fins, but they were clean. I have replaced the thermostat with an OEM
|from the dealer with no change.
|
|The engine is running GREAT, timing is dead on, valves are adjusted,
|not running lean and fan is running properly etc....
|
|My question is, has anyone found a good aftermarket radiator that
|cools better than stock OEM? The current radiator is the puny
|NIPENDENSO. Are there any good alternatives? I just can't see how this
|little thing could cool the engine on a 105oF day with the A/C on.

The original radiator was just right for a car without A/C
Factor AC package includes a bigger radiator.
Your symptoms are clasic for an undersize radiator, or one that is otherwise
unable to shed the heat that is given to it.

You have tow choices:
Get your puny radiator re-cored with the thickest core the tanks will allow.
Get a new radiator rated for A/C
Cost will be very similar.
To save money get a salvage yard radiator with more rows of tubes.