1990 Acura Integra Engine Runs Hot even having driven 20 mi

ANDREA MOYNIHAN

MEMBER
1990 ACURA INTEGRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
306,586 MILES

Hello, Thank you in advance for answering my question. Lately, I have noticed the above. When a station was checking my oil remarked how hot engine was. Fan still running after engine turned off. The inside engine light never goes on indicating overheating. And the temperature gauge remains perfect--a little under half way mark. The coolant at least in reservoir is at the right level. First part of question is why might this be occuring?
Second--today after driving 15 miles fine, stopped car, in a few minutes drove off, while stopped at light, idol dropped and engine would not start again. I moved it off road, went back in an hour to try again, still will not start. All lights on dash go on, engine cranks but is not connecting. What might the problem be? Is there a connection with engine's heat?
Thanks very much,
Andrea

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi Andrea,

Honda engines usually feels very hot after running it.
Fan would run for a while after turning off engine if it happens to be hot enough to activate the fan switch.

Did you check the coolant level in the radiator?

Since the car cannot start now, it might or might not be related to the engine heat.

You need to verify if it is mechanical, electrical or fuel that is causing the problem

Mechanical means if the timing belt is broken, overheating had caused a blown gasket or bad compression.

Electrical is to check if there are sparks at the plugs, etc.

Fuel is to check fuel pressure when ignition is turned on or cranked.

Was the check engine light showing prior to the engine stalling?