1990 Acura Legend Overheating when the AC is put on.

Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 ACURA LEGEND
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,642 MILES
My car is in good working condition until I notice that when am stocked for over three hours on traffic, the car wouldnt start after its been put off, except it stays for about 1hr. The second time I had to hit the kickstarter before it start. So I decided to service the kick starter and alternator becos the alter fails sometime (showing battery light on). Just after the servicing, my car started over heating when am using the ac. Without the AC, the gauge is fine at the center. If the AC comes on, within 2 minutes the temperature gauge moves close to the H. But if I turn off the AC, it gradually comes back to the center while still on motion. What should I do to use my AC constantly like before I service the ALternator and Kick starter.
Meanwhile, while looking at the position of the kick starter, I discover that the technician broked one engine part that is red in color protruding out from the engine block alittle above the kickstarter (maybe in the process of trying to loose and fix the kickstarter). I asked him, he said it doesnt have anything to do with the over heating.
Pls I need a help.
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 AT 1:09 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi Mike4christ,

Check the coolant level inn radiator when engine is cold.

Check the cooling fans. When A/C is turned on, both fans should be working.
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Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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Thanks for the Reply.
Coolant level ok and Fan also ok.
I remember that the first over heating was as a result of shortage of coolant in the radiator. The driver did not notice the the temperature meter rise before it overheated. Is it posible that the gasket is flat? But this is just ones.

Second Question Pls.
The Battery light comes on mostly when am using the headlamp while driving at night. When I put off or dim, it goes off. I decided to change the alternator. After the second day am still observing the issue. The battery is about 6 months old. Can it be that the alternator is bad or is it the cabling? Pls help?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 3:33 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If you don't have overheating and coolant issues anymore, then the head gasket should be good.

A poor ground circuit can cause the charge indicator to come on but mostly it should be the alternator charging rate.

Test the alternator charging rate when using full load, eg, A/C, headlights etc all turned on. It should be at least 13 volts with engine running.

Was the alternator replaced new, used or reman?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 6:54 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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Thanks for the quick response.
The car is still overheating now even without AC.
The alternator is used one, I will do the test and get back to u. Thanks.
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Is coolant being depleted from system due to leakages?
Is the recovery tank overflowing or depleting as well?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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The coolant does not short but rather will notice it boiling in the recovery tank after somewhile and the temporature meter aproaching the H.
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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When temperature gauge shows more thn half, does the cooling fans comes on?

Did you test if the cooling fans are working?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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The cooling fan was reconnected in such that the fan starts as the ignition is turned on. And the fans are working fine. Am sure of that.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 4:07 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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The cooling fan was reconnected in such that the fan starts as the ignition is turned on. And the fans are working fine. Am sure of that.[/Quote:1b06d10196]
For the Alternator,
On full load, the voltage was not upto 12v. I had 11.7v max. I know this is not good. But what is the specification of an alternator for this vehicle. I was given big size alternator but it didnt fit into the space due to size difference. How should I test for good alternator at the vendors shop?
Am grateful for the assistance.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Alternator charging rate should be between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. The alternator is bad. Alternator can be benchtested but you need the correct equipment.

If the cooling fans are working all the time, ensure the direction of the fan blades are correct. If air flow is good and overheating still occurs, coolant is not being cooled efficiently.
It could be due to bad water pump, thermostat, clogged radiator or coolant passages.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
MIKE4CHRIST
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You dnt seem to suspect the gasket (flat); why?
What would have been the effect of flat gasket?
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 8:39 AM

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