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dharjinni · Sep 28, 2008, 03:27 PM

Again I have a problem with my Honda Accord. In spring 2009 I plan to replace this car, but I have to keep it running until then. For a couple of months now, this car has been losing coolant. However, we have not been able to locate a leak. I have not found any coolant or water in the oil, nor the reverse. This car has overheated in the past as a result of thermostat failure, so I can't rule out the possibility of damage to the heads.

No visible leaks have been found, but everyday before starting the car I have to add 2-3 quarts of water to the radiator. Also, the overflow is completely empty.

The car has a replacement radiator from Performance Radiators that had been installed by Halliburton Auto Clinic in Alexandria, LA, and Halliburton has been less than helpful in relaying warranty information concerning this part. The water pump has been replaced within the past two years by Walker Honda in Alexandria, LA. The thermostat and upper radiator hose are also under 2 years old. The lower radiator hose could probably stand replacement, but I doubt it is our problem. The overflow tank is crack-free and holds water with no obvious leaks. The radiator cap is a 16lb. Cap without pressure release, and I have plans on replacing the cap with one with a pressure release valve in case the cooling system is over pressurizing. I have ran the car for several minutes with the cap off and the motor running. Fortunately there were no bubbles in the coolant. If anybody has any suggestions on what to check, I'd be very greatfull.

Thanks,

Dharjinni

twinkiedooter · Sep 28, 2008, 05:21 PM

I don't know where your leak is but I can tell you one thing for sure, why are you adding plain water to the radiator? You need to add the proper coolant instead. I know that it's expensive and all, but adding water is not the best solution to your problem.

Did any mechanic do a pressure test on this system for you to try and locate the leak?

If you have to add that much coolant every day pretty soon you are going to burn your engine to a crisp and not notice anything until it conks out and dies seized up.

this8384 · Sep 29, 2008, 03:00 PM

If the vehicle was overheated, it's very possible that you warped the cylinder head. If you're not finding any coolant in the oil, it could be leaking into the cylinders and getting burned off by the spark plugs. However, if you have to add 2-3 quarts everyday, that's quite a bit of a loss. Have a pressure test done to rule out any other possibilities.

dharjinni · Mar 2, 2009, 04:25 PM

Problem was found. Turns out the radiator was leaking at a seam. The coolant/water sprayed onto the engine and evaporated. The reason I was adding just plain water is exactly because coolant is expensive. We planned to get rid of the car as soon as income tax returns were issued, so I was not too concerned about using just plain water. We replaced the radiator, but a few weeks later the front seal on the motor blew out. Oil gushed out faster that it could be put in. We sold the car for a few hundred.