Overheating Problem +

LUDEDUDE

MEMBER
HONDA PRELUDE

1990 Honda Prelude, 2.1 motor, 136K miles.
I'm having a major overheating problem with my Lude. I recently replaced the cylinder head, timing belt, and water pump. The car ran good for about 1,200 miles. I started to smell anti freeze frequently while driving but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. There would be pressure in the system just from sitting overnight. The upper rad hose was bugged out. I removed the radiator cap, motor not running, and the coolent flew all over the engine compartment. A few days ago the car overheated in my driveway while at idle. Coolent was being forced out of the overflow container. I changed the rad cap and bled the cooling system. Idle was fine and the car ran good but gradually pressure built up and forced coolent out the overflow again and my rad hose was bugged out. Took a compression test and am not a happy camper. No. 1 cyl. 155 lbs. No. 2 cyl. 180 lbs No. 3 cyl. 200 lbs. No. 4 cyl. 170 lbs. There is no water in my oil and do not see any oil in my coolent.
Changed the distruibutor and set up timing.
Anyone have an idea what may be causing this problem? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
ludedude

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Try replacing the thermostat-not it do the following below:

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collasped hoses, water pump.