changing coolant on new generation acura/hondas

[The Stigenator]

My 2009 TSX has 63K on it. I think its time to replace the fluid even though Acura say 100K. I see the temp gauge has gone up a bit (its no longer where it normally used to be like last summer) and it varies a bit.

I think the coolant efficiency has dropped. Its easy enough to replace the fluid.

So the question is.

1. should i just drain the radiator and refill it (put heater on high before i do it). This will replace about a gallon & maybe a half if anything, whats in the block will remain.

2. use one of those coolant replacement machines with coolant. I am going to use the Acura Fluid.

I understand capacity is under 2 gallons.

 

[T2urtle]

I normally do option one. Cheaper and I do it myself so I know its Done right.

Look into replacing the t-stat while doing this.

Sent from my Nexus One

 

[The Stigenator]

I think option 1 is what I will do too. So it wont get 100% of the fluid. I think the t-stat's fine, its just that the coolant has lost some of its heat capacity, fresh fluid will help.

 

[Eli]

There is most likely going to be a drain on the block too. No need to use a machine.

lol @ the coolant losing heat capacity.....

 

[Howard]

At what point does coolant temp become a problem?

 

[SparkyJJO]

At what point does coolant temp become a problem?

When it overheats
OK maybe you don't want to wait that long...

Usually, higher temps are more related to gunk in the system causing a partial blockage (been there, done that on the previous car), or a thermostat sticking closed (my first car did that), or just simply higher ambient temperatures/more AC usage (see this all the time), and not the coolant itself.

On my previous car, opening the drain on the radiator also ended up draining the entire block too, because the radiator sat lower than the engine. Yes, it was a bear to bleed the system. Had to put it on a hill facing upward to burp out the rest of the air. My current one, I'm not sure. It needs changed.

 

[HarryLui]

Change the thermostat, it may be fine now, but it's not going to last another 100k.

 

[nwf_snake]

With an aluminum engine, you will not see much discoloration in the coolant. If your temp is starting to vary, make sure both fans are in proper working order. Not uncommon for one of the fan motors or relays to quit on Hondas. You have at least one block drain, but a lot of the time it is hidden behind something and hard to locate and/or open. I would probably go with your option 1, though you probably are good to 100K. Good luck!

 

[Vette73]

Coolant should not cause your temp gauge to go up, unless its low.

I would drain the coolant, replace the Thermostat, replace Rad. cap, and add new coolant if its starting to show signs or running warmmer. Also check to make sure there is no trash in front of the rad.

 

[JCH13]

+1 to replacing the thermostat

Replace your radiator cap too, its cheap and can wear out.

I would drain the old coolant, stick a garden hose in the top of the radiator, an let the car idle until the water coming out of the drain is clear, maybe run some distilled water through, shut the car off, let everything drain out, and refill with fresh coolant and perform the factory bleeding procedure. This will get deposits out, and flush all of the old coolant out too.

Also, don't forget to drain and flush your overflow bottle too while you're at it.