Engine Cooling problem
1995 Honda Prelude 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 152000 miles
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THIS IS A H23A1 ENGINE, JUST REPLACED HEAD , HAD IT SURFACED AND PRESSURE TESTED.THE OLD HEAD TURNED OUT TO BE CRACKED.THIS WAS A SECOND HAND USED HEAD THAT WAS INSTALLED WITH NEW VALVE STEM SEALS, A NEW HEAD GASKET AND WATERPUMP, AND ALL NEW BELTS WERE INSTALLED, AND NEW RADIATOR.THERE WAS NO ANTIFREEZE OR WATER IN OIL, BUT THEIR WAS SOME MILKY OIL STUFF IN THE COOLANT PASSAGES AND RADIATOR.THE CAR FIRED RIGHT UP AFTER INSTALLING EVERYTHING.JUST HAVE A LITTLE TICKING IN TOP END AND WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT MOSTLY WHEN UP TO TEMP.ANY ASSUMPTIONS, PLEASE HELP.I PUT ALOT OF MONEY IN THIS TO GET THIS ISSUE.THANKS

Hi there,

Start by changing the engine oil if you have not already done so, and let it run for a while, as it may just be coolant from the previous problem still in the exhaust, this can take a while dissipate sometimes, just keep a check on the coolant level and temp for the first day or so, if the coolant is dropping, you may have a problem still. Start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

I CHANGED THE OIL AND IT'S GOOD, AND IT IS NOT LOSING ANY FLUID, BUT I AM DRAINING THE RADIATOR AND REFILLING TO TRY AND GET SOME OF THAT MILKY SHIT OUTTA THEIR, THEIR WAS ALSO SOME OF THAT IN MY INTAKE MANIFOLD AS WELL, I'M WONDERING IF IT JUST NEEDS TO BE RUN TO BURN OFF.

mhpautos wrote:

Hi there, Start by changing the engine oil if you have not already done so, and let it run for a while, as it may just be coolant from the previous problem still in the exhaust, this can take a while dissipate sometimes, just keep a check on the coolant level and temp for the first day or so, if the coolant is dropping, you may have a problem still. Start here. Mark (mhpautos)

If there is fresh emulsified oil in the inlet manifold, you still may have a problem, i would keep a close eye on things for a day or two just in case.

Mark (mhpautos)

I DROVE IT THE SMORNING VERY LITTLE WITH NO SMOKE BLOWING OUT, TOOK IT FOR A LONGER RIDE EARLYIER, WAS FINE FOR LIKE 5 MIN, THEN STARTED BLOWINGSMOKE OUT AGAIN, GOT TO MY LOCATION AND LET IT RUN FOR ABOUT 20 MIN, GOTT TO BE SOME WHAT DRIVABLE, DROVE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE ABOUT 2.5 MILES AWAY, HALF WAY THEIR STARTED SMOKING AGIAN.... WHAT COULD THIS BE??????

Hi there,

you will have to have a CO check done on the cooling system, if that is clear. i would be looking at a water leak inti the inlet manifold.

Mark (mhpautos)

COMPRSESSION TEST OR LEAK DOWN OR PRESSURE TEST RADIATOR??? I DONT THINK IT'S A MANIFOLD ISSUE DO TO OIL IN EXHAUST??? WHY DO YOU THINK THAT??

if you have oil in the water , you will have to pull the head again. you may have a cracked head. was it crack tested when it was repaired.

Mark

yes the head was presser tested and planned down, the old head was cracked so i got another one.And reassembled it with all new gaskets.the some what milky stuff was still in the block from the old head, but i flushed it out when i put the new head on, plus i got a new radiator and waterpump, and new belts.

You will have to do a Co test on the cooling system just to prover the point, if thats is OK, you really must consider a new head crack, or a problem with the block, and there is no easy way to prove this.

Mark (mhpautos)