hi guys well after 300k miles my tsx has started to give some small problems, the main one which i cant seem to fix is the over flow bottle keeps filling up i have replaced the thermostat the water pump and to no avail, there is a slight leak in the rocker cover gasket, and the water keeps sloshing behind the the dash, there seeemed to be a severve air lock i am worried i have a head gasket on its way out. its not loosing water or coolant but i have to fill the rad back up from the over flow bottle, the heater blows cold at times when the temp is on hot, have i a blocked heater rad.

 

Definitely sounds like a failing head gasket. If you noticed missing after startup w/ a hot engine, another nail in the coffin. This results from water getting on the spark plugs w/ pressurized hot system.

A definitive HG test is a cooling system pressure test while looking for external leaks. If pressure drops w/ no external leaks, HG is indicated. There is also a chemical test for exhaust gases in the cooling system, which may be applicable in your case.

I haven't read of anyone replacing head gasket on TSX, but there may be some discussion threads. Earlier Accord engines aren't too bad for HG replacement, but the TSX may be a challenge w/ timing chain. One challenge is to suspend the timing chain while removing the head w/o the timing chain falling off the lower sprocket and guides. Manual says to remove timing chain and this may be necessary, but I know on some vehicles others manage to suspend the chain and avoid this significant job.

good luck

 

Nigel Boyne:

Several questions?

1) What year is your TSX?

2) Are you the original owner or did you buy used? If you bought used, how many miles did the car have when you bought it?

3) Did the car ever overheat on you before this? bad water pump or radiator?

 

hi guys sorry i had to rejoin lost password yes i am original owner since point 25 of a mile lol, its my dublin taxi just comming on 300k serviced by myself every 5 to 7.5 k. ok found problem massive air lock was main problem however new thermostat and water pump along with a very harsh coolant flush seems to sorted the problem. rocker cover gasket sorted my leak cheap fix 15 euro simple to do, had a look at the chain and tensioner not a millimeter of play spot on valves all checked no adjustment needeed. car feels fantastic again, thanks roll on another 200k, really would love to see 500k out of her. so to date parts replaced 1 inner tie rod end 2, bottom ball joint passenger side.3, altenator and 2 batteries. 4 upper ball joint horse shoe joints both sides.5,rear anti roll bar bushes done these twice.6 thermostat 7 water pump, 8 rocker cover gasket. 9 slave cylinder.10 inner gear box seal.11, changed fuel filter in tank.

 

Wow. You have Acura TSX Taxi Cab? I have never seen a TSX taxi. If you can, post pictures of your car.

I am glad you have fixed problem.

Several questions:

1) Is your car known as a 2004 Acura TSX or a 2004 Honda Accord in Dublin Ireland? I know that the 2004 Acura TSX was known as the Honda Accord in some or all European countries.

2) Did you do a cooling system flush several days after you changed the water pump and thermostat? Your original post mentioned only that you did pump and thermostat change and were still having problems.