1996 Honda Civic Engine Overheating

Tiny
JIMJIM2206
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 19,800 MILES
I fill my radiator with coolant and two weeks later it will be low. There are no leaks, I can't see any cracks in the head. I just noticed oil residue in the overfill tank. Is it easy to see if there is a crack in the head? I think I have a blown head gasket. I am just hoping its just the head gasket no the head. I am thinking there is a leak on the top of the head and the coolant burns of from the top of the cylinder head.
Monday, May 31st, 2010 AT 9:56 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi JimJim2206,

Cracks to cylinder heads are sometimes not visible depending on where the cracks occurs. A pressure test would be able to confirm if the head is cracked and it has to be removed from the engine. Honda engine seldom have cracked cylinder heads though they do occur and when it does occur, most probably the engie oil would be milky due to the coolant getting to the oil.

If the radiator coolant level is low and the recovery tank tends to overflow, then you definitely have a bad head gasket.
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Monday, May 31st, 2010 AT 2:58 PM

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