ok so i decided to pop my hood today and check on my power steering issue and just make sure everything is still intact. i decided to also check my radiator hoses while there isnce the car was at full temp and running. the upper hose was very hot, couldnt keep my hand on it, but the lower hose was cool. it wasnt cold but very cool. i was wondering if this is natural or a problem. i had been driving the car for almost a half hour and then opened the hood right away. temp gauge seems normal but im still concerned. any ideas?? thanks!

 

Most likely the thermostat is not opening up completely. Replace with a Honda OEM part from the dealership.

 

If the temperature gauge is reading normal, I wouldn't panic. The thermostat isn't supposed to open all the way unless it needs to cool the engine. With temperatures around Ohio, I'm not surprised the lower hose is cool-ish.

If the car has a tendency to overheat in July, THEN you can think about the thermostat or maybe a plugged radiator.

 

yeah my gauge sits about shy of half way all the time when warmed up. i was thinking thermostat but wasnt sure lol. thanks for the input. if its needs changed is it a decent DIM(do it myself) ?

 

The sign of a good thermostat is the gauge comes up to normal temperature & then stays right there when it's 25ºF or 105ºF outside.

Follow the LOWER radiator hose towards the back of the engine. That's the thermostat housing. You'll probably have to remove the air intake duct.

It's fairly easy, but wrench access is a pain. If you have a couple extensions for sockets & stuff like that, you'll be OK. Not much room for 1/2"drive sockets, but OK with 3/8.

If there's a lot of crusty lime deposits INSIDE the T-stat housing, that will make it a bigger job to clean up. The surfaces where the T-stat gasket seals will need to be clean.