Hey Guys, I've have 1999 Acura 2.3 CL. It started overheating when the temps outside would hit 55deg and over. When I start it up, the whole engine sometimes shakes and rumbles then press on gas and it acts like a race car, Or if I drive around for too long in those temps, and I'm parked the car won't start up until it cools down. The thermostat doesn't work but it has never worked since I had the car over 5yrs now. In spring and summer it is horrible because I can't just get in the car and it starts because its always overheated. One time I went into starbucks and it was a 90 degree day and the car wasn't having it/wouldn't start after sitting in the sun for 10min!!! I was pissed!! I have taken it to shop after shop and they keep saying the problem has to occur under their watch in order to know what this could be...Please does anyone know what could be the cause??? Thank You soo much

 

Hmmmm I would start by changing the thermostat you said was not working. Once that's done are your cooling fans turning on when your car heats up? Also, sounds like you have been driving around a lot with the car overheated so you might have a blown head gasket or a warped your head. Also, if you are driving the car and it overheats remember you turn the heater on it will cool down the engine temporarily. Good luck hope this helps a little bit.

 

The heater trick reminds me of HybridNRG going to the AllCali meet a few years back drove 360 miles in one day with a overheating motor.

 

I did that for a whole month a couple summers ago lol, heat on full blast with the vents pointed out the windows and sunroof. Looking back fixing it probably would have made more sense than sweating like mad everytime I drove...

 

It's your transmission, 80%; what is the mileage? The transmission is notorious for failing because you need to maintain it periodically.