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hacktorious
New User
Feb 28, 2008, 5:36 AM
Post #1 of 2
(1762 views)
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98 civic running cold
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I just noticed an issue on my way to work this morning, and over the last couple of days. My 1998 Civic EX seems to be running very cold. It takes a long time to heat up, and if I turn the heat on it gets cold again. I read a few posts, which mentioned it could be an improper mix of water/antifreeze. However, I don't think this is the issue. Does anyone have any suggestions? It tends to have an issue at higher speeds, and takes forever to warm up when I start it.
I am wondering, could it be the thermostat, or sensor, or something like that? Where is the best place to start to diagnose this issue? Thanks.
--
Scott
(This post was edited by hacktorious on Feb 28, 2008, 5:38 AM)
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 28, 2008, 7:34 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1751 views)
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Re: 98 civic running cold
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If this car has an engine temperature gauge and it is also taking a long time to rise to the normal area of the gauge, then yes replace the engine thermostat.
The engine thermostat controls the amount of engine coolant that is allowed to flow to the radiator to be cooled; if the thermostat is stuck open, coolant can continually enter the radiator unregulated.
When the car is sitting still, idling and not traveling down the road, there’s no or every little air flow through the radiator’s cooling fins. This is why the car will eventually warm up a bit but as soon as you start to move, the air flow increases and cools the coolant faster then the engine can heat it.
The same goes for when you turn on the heater fan, warm coolant enters the heater core from the engine; air from the fan is forced through the core, giving you heat inside the car but also cools the coolant in the core.
Replacing a defective thermostat will also help increase your fuel mileage; a cold engine requires extra fuel to run properly; the computer will not have any issues supplying this extra fuel.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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