1991 Honda Civic Overheating

1991 HONDA CIVIC
263,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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TIMINOHIO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a high mileage 1991 Honda Civic. 3 years ago I had the engine completely overhauled. On my way to work today the temperature gauge went up when I slowed and came down when I sped up. Also, there was white smoke coming out of the tail pipe when I put the engine under stress. Lastly, when I depress the clutch to come to a stop the oil light comes on.

I checked the oil level and it is fine, the coolant was low so I added some. I was hoping the overhaul I had done 3 years ago would have allowed me to drive the car for 5 years, what is the problem with the car?

Thank you
Aug 4, 2008 at 2:00 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi TiminOhio,

There is coolant leakages somewhere so you need to get it pressure tested for leaks.

The white smoke if it is bluish in color could be due to worn valve seals. The oil light flickering at idling could be due to a faulty pressure switch and might be a bad oil pump. If you had used any oill treatment after the overhaul, then the likelihood of bad valve seals are high.

When was the last time you had an oil and filter change?
Aug 15, 2008 at 10:02 AM
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