Honda Car Forum

I have a 2001 Civic EX that has an ongoing problem. Last winter I had the water pump and timing belt changed.
The problem started once the daytime temperature rose. When I was stuck in traffic the temp would rise to the point of overheating and the car began pushing coolant out of the reserve tank when I got home at night. I also began having to wait for the car to completely warm up for the heat to blow hot air.
I then bled the air out of the cooling system and was fine for a couple months. Unfortunately the problem has returned, but I cannot seem to eliminate it. I have bled the air out of the system several times and it will work for about a week and then push out coolant again. The car will begin to overheat as I am driving at slow speeds in traffic and cool if the car sits.

Is this the same problem? Also I think that I smell coolant in the air when the AC or heat is on. I have even taken the car to the dealer with no success.

I have the unfortunate news to share with you that this is a common occurance in most hondas. Its a small investment called the "HEAD GASKET". I am going to guess that you are in the 90,000 (150,000 kms) miles range. The dealer probably knows whats wrong with it but doesn't want to tell you. They will run like this a long time before really screwing up (white smoke out the tailpipe), but overheating will cause the demise much quicker. I hope I am wrong, but I make a living fixing these.

Thanks for the reply graveleater. It actually has about 150k on it - does the gasket usually go every 90k? I have been hoping that it would not be the head gasket, but figured it was. What should I be looking at as far as cost? One arm, two arms and a leg?

I can't quote what Honda would charge, plus I'm a canuck and have no idea how the market in the states is (I'm assuming your in the states). But we generally charge around $550\CAN includes belt and water pump.

That's a lot less than I was thinking. Most of the prices I saw online were $1k+. I am having it boroscoped tomorow to make sure, but it certainly seems to be the issue. When I spoke with service guy today he said that they normally recommend a complete engine replacement when this happens, because the difference in seals between the top and bottom of the engine causes oil loss problems. Do you reccommend this as well?
Also I am considering doing the work myself I have been warned that the intake can be difficult. Is it really that tricky or just time consuming, also are there any special tools needed? My guess is that if they want to charge me for 8 hours I should be able to get it done in 12 and a case of beer.