-Honda Accord 99 EX V6 A/T

Hey guys lately my accord has been overheating. The first time it happened was during heavy traffic. I quickly pulled up to a gas station and noticed a by-pass hose needed to replaced. I didnt have the time and had to go to a mechanic. The other thing I noticed was the anti-freeze changed into a different color than it was before. It looked like a chocolate color and very watery before going to the mechanic.

After two weeks later in getting the coolant flushed and a new by-pass hose. The coolant again changed color...I just checked to make sure the cooling fans turn on to cool the radatior. Does anyone know the exact fuse that controls the fans. I did replace one of the fuse and the fans are working. Is there anything else I can look at? Which coolant should i use for my accord? And which one would you guys prefer with 143,000 miles on the car. Thanks

 

Hmm... I don't like that you said the coolant was a "chocolate color". Was there oil in it?

 

yea. you might want to check your oil while ur at it. see if it looks kinda like chocolate milk.....if it does then you have bigger problems than overheating

 

You basically need a new head gasket. That's really the only place where the oil and coolant could mix.

 

It could also be a crack in the cylinder head, so have the head milled and tested before you reassemble.

 

You have either Oil in the coolant or rust. If the coolant turned to rust and you flush it.. it will come back. I don’t know with your vehicle using mainly aluminum components in the cooling system that rusting is still possible. If it is oil time for a teardown for inspection.

 

I was about to say its either a whole lot of rust built up in the cooling system, or you blew a head gasket.

 

Well when I did went to a mechanic I asked him to do a complete flush and he said they dont do that. My friend said he'll help me do a complete flush and he checked the engine the other day and noticed oil built up on the sides of the engine. One on the right and left. Oh and forgot to mention the heatercore was bypassed for some reason. When I purchased the car I never tested the heater until it got cold out. Every since then I've been freezing my ***.

Should I check the engine oil to see if its discolored? The other day I checked it and it seem fine. Im do for an oil change soon. By the way I put synthetic castrol gtx.

 

Definitely go ahead and change the oil. If you need a new headgasket or have a cracked head, there should be coolant in the oil. The oil wont look the same. You should be able to tell if there is water in it. Make sure you drain it into something that allows you to inspect the oil.

 

Yes I would strongly recommend checking the oil.
Has the engine been using any extra coolant?
Does the coolant overflow bottle have oil floating on top of the coolant?