I have this 1997 Accord LX I have this cooling system problem with it.
Its a 2.2 4cyl non-vtec automatic. Problem is when car heats up it will push the coolant into the coolant reservoir, which is normal but it won't suck it back in when needed. Reservoir overflows and coolant drains through the cap just like busted radiator. Thats why car overheats sometimes. (210* F). I have already replaced radiator cap but no avail. Any idea what the problem might be?

 

Have you replaced the thermostat or done a pressure test on the system?

 

and a thermostat should only be about $10

 

+1

Check the thermostat. It may be malfunctioning.

It's pretty simple to test it. It's the removal/installation process that may be a pain in the butt.

Take it out and put it in boiling water. Keep watching and see if the thermostat expands. Take it out and see if it retracts. If it does, then it's working fine and the problem is something else.

 

So I bought thermostat and I am changing it right now. Hope this works..

 

I would've tested the current unit first before spending money on a new one. It takes 2 minutes to boil water.

If it's not the t-stat, then I would venture to guess a problem with the water pump.

 

I am done replacing t-stat but now fans won't turn on. If I turn AC on condenser fan should come on but it doesn't. I am using scan gauge to check temperature. I saw temp around 200*f but fan didn't move. So where it went wrong? All connectors are plugged in.

I think new t-stat solved the problem because temp gets high but its comes down around 188-192*f. But now fans are driving me nuts..

 

Some pics of the nasty stuff inside the t-stat..







And this is what I am dealing with. While car is moving temp doesn't come below this point..





Fan works but it only works around 202*+ F

 

its supposed to kick in at a certain temp. maybe you should test to make sure all the connections are working. fans should kick in when thermostat opens

 

Replace the radiator fan switch.