Honda Del Sol overheating

I have a Honda DelSol that overheats at idle.
Once it is moving, it cools down, so I assume the water pump is working

It has electric fans, one for the radiator and one for the condenser.
The condenser and radiator sit side-by-side.
Both fans are working

The tempeature sending unit is on the engine, not the radiator.

A blocked up radiator is a possibility. I had a 1984 Civic where that happened.
Although a radiator cost a lot more than a water pump, it would save me a lot of time if all I had to do was replace the radiator.

The car has an air bleed screw, near the thermostate housing, for the coolant system. I think if I open this bleed screw after the engine is running, water should really shoot out if the water pump is working.

Any thoughts?
Thanks
Ron

I worked for Honda for a few years. If you open the bleeder when not running, it should let a trickle of antifreeze out when full. Check the bleeder to make sure it is not plugged with dirt. Try that first, then my next stop would be the rad The fins at the bottom fall out with age (like my hair lol) and ti won't cool at idle.
Let us know what you find
P.S. Worked for Honda for 30 years
Dave

14dna said:

I worked for Honda for a few years. If you open the bleeder when not running, it should let a trickle of antifreeze out when full. Check the bleeder to make sure it is not plugged with dirt. Try that first, then my next stop would be the rad The fins at the bottom fall out with age (like my hair lol) and ti won't cool at idle.
Let us know what you find
P.S. Worked for Honda for 30 years
Dave

Click to expand...

and with your hair gone, do you cool at idle either?

I hope so JP Cause now I'm old , I'm idle a lot

Thanks, Dave.

There are some fins missing on the radiator.

I did discover that it was in fact low on coolant. I am not sure where the coolant is going but it is not in the oil and I cannot find any hose that is leaking. The radiator appears to be good too.

It may be a head gasket near the left front on the engine as there was grime on the side of the engine block. I cleaned it all off and will check this area after each time I drive the car.

14dna said:

I hope so JP Cause now I'm old , I'm idle a lot

Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

On the backside of the engine, directly above the oil filter, is a common spot for headgasket leaks.
Hard to see without a light.
Hope this all helps.
Dave