1998 Honda Accord overheating engine

Tiny
DCUDJOE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
I want to flush my engine with a garden hose. It will be under 30 degrees tomorrow and I want to know if running the engine with the cold water will cause a problem?

In the last month, I had a clogged radiator that was the first cause to my over heating. I changed the radiator and thermostat. The engine was still overheating. I then changed the fan switch and temperature sensor. The since then had stopped overheating, however the upper radiator hose burst a week later. And a week after that the heater hose burst. I have changed both as well as the radiator cap, thinking the cap could have been the cause I started to see the original clogging in the radiator I seen initially. Now I want to flush all the aftermarket coolant out and fill my radiator with the Honda blue factory coolant. I would appreciate an answer to my first question as well as any additional information you can offer. Thank you.
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Monday, February 23rd, 2015 AT 1:54 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
Running the engine temporarily on water isn't a problem but you definitely have t get a thorough mix of coolant in there before it freezes.
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Monday, February 23rd, 2015 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
DCUDJOE
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  • 3 POSTS
I didn't read your response before I went ahead and did the flush. And I didn't get a mix of coolant in there before I left the car for the night as you suggested. The last 2 nights have been under 20 degrees. Tomorrow will reported get up to 37 degrees. I plan to wait until then to start the engine or should I wait until the weather gets much warmer? Or is the car already done?
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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
I wouldn't wait at all. The longer it sits below freezing, the more the ice will expand and do damage. It may already be too late. You will have to run the engine for short periods so it generates some heat but doesn't overheat from lack of circulation. The hardest part to thaw will be the heater core and radiator. If you are not getting heat, then the core is still frozen. I suggest you get the car indoors ASAP and you may have to tow it to get it there.
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 AT 2:03 AM
Tiny
DCUDJOE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I got the car to a mechanic and got some heat on the system. The car started and the ice thawed out. Thank you for your help. I surely will not make that mistake again.
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Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 AT 10:18 PM

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