bigcocoon

Here is the issue. I have been losing coolant from the reservoir at a high rate (no leaks) & the car does not start when it is warm. Starts fine every single morning when engine is cold. The only thing I have done thus far is replace radiator cap. Are these problems related?

1999 Acura Tl with 187k

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

check the oil, does it have coolant mixed in?

3.2TLc

Get the cooling system pressure checked and do a leakdown test on the cylinders.
Is there white smoke puffing from the exhaust ? Possibly a head gasket leaking.

ErickUa5

Did you burp the coolant after replacing the radiator ?
If not you have air in the system.

bigcocoon

cooling system pressure checked? Can any shop do this? Also, have not replaced the radiator. Fortunately, don't see any white smoke.

bigcocoon

also, oil looks clean

ErickUa5

Sorry I missed the word Cap.
Check the air filter and duct for coolant, some members had this issue ended up being a coolant hose on a vacuum port.
Any work done before this happened ?

01tl4tl

first thing to ck is that rubber hose inside res cap - must be on tight to cap nipple

ever done the water pump? it has a drip hole underneath for when the seal fails

do follow book procedure on burping, make sure heater on hot!!
free owner book download at www.owners.acura.com

bigcocoon

turned out to be a small crack on the upper rear of radiator (I honestly did not see a leak). Car did not idle when at the mechanics. He cleaned the body throttle. Hopefully this does the trick with the starting when hot problem.

3.2TLc

Hey Bigcocoon, with the loss of coolant within the system...chances are that air was trapped and causing the ECT thermosensor to be unable to detect the actual temperature of the coolant. This can affect idling and cause overall runability problems with the motor.

So, assuming that ya now have a new rad and correct coolant level and ratio, burped and free of air.....all should be back to normal. However if the motor was run low on coolant and overheated, ya may have possibly stressed the head gasket. If in doubt, have the cooling system pressure checked.

bigcocoon

Does it take time to return back to normal as the car had the same problem yesterday as it wouldn't start when the engine was warm? Thanks

Nicks2001tl

Also clean and lube the throttle body springs. Monitor your coolant level in the reservoir and if no further damage was done it should get back to normal.

3.2TLc

Yeah, try reburping the coolant system. Make sure that the heater is set on high with blower running, while the motor is brought up to normal operating temperature with the rad cap off. The coolant should flow out of the rad without any bubbles in a nice steady flow. Bring the idle speed up with the throttle control for a few seconds making sure that both cooling fans activate, then shut off car....replace rad's cap and allow to fully cool. Check level in the reservoir and top off the rad with coolant.