I have been having issues with overheating just a few days after buying my 90 GS 4dr Integra (192k) roughly 2 weeks ago.
We changed the thermostat – no change
Took out the thermo and tested, it was fine
Next we changed the radiator and most of the hoses. Now, it gets a bit hot, then goes down on its own.
Not using the heat, the temp gauge usually stays in the middle. It will get a bit hotter when idling. However, when I get going again, it will go back down.
My GF is a fairly good mechanic. Has been for 30 some years. She doesn’t believe it is the head gasket, she says it doesn’t show any of the usual signs.
Next we will try the water pump. Might as well do the timing and seals and valve cover gasket at the same time.
Oh, we did do a compression test- 150 across the board. Plugs were fairly soaked in oil. She looked and it is the valve cover gasket.
First thing I would ask is, because fans have been wired to run all the time, are they running in the right direction, pulling air through the rad/condensor?
If the fans are running in the right direction, my guess is you need a new water pump. 94
what ^^ said… if you have ruled out headgasket, & followed all the tips given over at club integra I would next look at the water pump as fcm mentioned.
Hows the oil pressure? may want to check that and inspect the timing belt while you are into where the water pump is.
Its been a long month…my cell was stolen and just got it replaced…now we have colds or something hard knockin us down. Anyway, we do believe its the waterpump, but now the fuel pump is acting out (see new thread). We just remember to check the water level and add when needed. We are hoping to do EVERYTHING all at once. She needs a valve cover gasket too. We might just go ahead and change out the HG while we have her open. Sort of refurb her and bring her back to even more life. Luckily, I dont travel very far everyday. She’s a good solid car, just needs some adjustments (so to speak).
I had a similar problem on my 92 DB1. It would overheat at idle, but rev the engine over 2K and it would go down until it sat at idle again. No oil in the coolant, no smoke, no pressure problems, new radiator cap, and new thermostat didn’t fix it. It ran like that for several weeks until it started leaking coolant. Changed out the head gasket and it was fine. While it was open, my mechanic also changed out some hoses that were still OEM in addition to the water pump and valve cover gasket.
The GF is very adament about it NOT being the HG. We’ll be in there when we change the water pump/timing/seals/valve cover gasket, so I want to check out the HG. Shouldnt we just replace it anyway? Its not that expensive of a part. I just wish she were on my side in this…GF says we can do MORE damage…
Oh, we changed out the hoses when we replaced the radiator…
well the HG isn’t too tough, just depends on whether she is cozy doing it or not & on the down side is time consuming… most repair manuals have great instructions for the procedure. before you go tearing ionto the motor tho ( and I’m sure she knows to do this) do a compression test, Leakdown test, and a block test… these would be preliminary steps in certifying the HG is bad or not.