New RT owner with a few (car) issues. lots o' pics!

sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
So I have a 90 RT4WD auto, got it in Feb. I bought it in Spokane, WA and drove it down to Boise, ID where I live. On that 500 mile trek, I had Zero problems. I went 80-85 most the way, up and down grades, wind snow rain etc..

So far so good...

So the next day I go snowboarding up at Bogus Basin (which is a 3200 vertical climb over 16 miles). The car is fine the whole way up, then on the way DOWN it starts overheating... The temp gauge was up then down then up etc.. so I coast it down the 16 mile mountain in neutral with the car off. I limp the car home with the gauge going from normal to hot every 2 minutes, but then instantly going back down to normal..

The next day I do the following repairs/maintenance- New T-stat, oil change (5w-30) and new filter, new air filter, new valve cover gasket (old one was leaking),new O2 sensor (CEL was on), drain and flush cooling system and refill/bleed.

I bleed the system according to the manual, fill it up, open bleed valve, keep filling until it bleeds a steady stream, turn car on, turn heater to hot, let system purge all bubbles etc and it all works fine for weeks.

Then I go to Bogus again and instantly on the way UP it starts doing the same thing- overheating with the temp gauge up then down etc.. I can only assume I have air bubbles trapped in there somewhere right??

So I bleed it again, and the car is fine for a few more weeks of in town driving.

Then, a few days ago I take a trip to Portland (which is close to 1000 miles roundtrip) and the car starts acting up again with the overheating. I am led at this point to believe its a more serious problem. My gas mileage went WAY down during this trip, and I burnt up a lot of oil too. Seems like the car has a hard time keeping cool when theres a load on the engine. I checked my fan, and it was working fine, so I know its not that. I did notice metal specks in the coolant- not quite sure if its left over Stop Leak or if theres a bigger problem internally....

A little history on the car- 2 owners, 262,000 miles, all original everything- engine/trans never been swapped or rebuilt -the car is pretty cherry though for its high miles. Interior is perfect, except for some cruddy carpet in the back, the paint is still good, and no rust in the usual spots.

Do you guys have any suggestions on what else I can do to keep my cooling system in check? Below are some pics of the car and some clarification pics too.. hopefully I can figure this out dammit! Thanks



Wagon with steelies, snow tires and yalkima rack......
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Wagon now with Teggie rims and Falken Zeix 912s
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Could this 'CACTUS' Rad cap be an issue?
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Im using Prestone antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
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This is where my temp gauge normally sits....
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Another shot of the car with steelies...
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O2 sensor and Thermostat boxes, part #s etc
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Comments

  • udubrx7udubrx7 Senior Wagonist
    I had a problem with my temperature fluctuating like that shortly before my head gasket went out. I don't know for sure if the two are related, but it would be a good idea to check a few things. Is there coolant in the oil? Is there oil in the coolant? How about oily residue gunk that is really dark grey and black colored in the overflow reservoir? Has it been consuming any oil at all? Any smoke from the tailpipe on warm days?

    Also, have you checked for error codes on the ECU to see if a sensor or its wiring has failed? Could be a problem related to the coolant temp sensor under the distributor.
  • JakerJaker familEE
    The rad cap could be releasing pressure too early. Try a new OEM cap. If the cap doesn't let the cooling system pressurize properly, the car will overheat, usually only under load. Either that or the head gasket is leaking. My 2 guesses.
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    thanks fir the info... I was thinking that 'cactus' rad cap was a little sketchy. I will change that ASAP. also I haven't noticed any smoking at all, and the oil and coolant seem to keep to themselves lol. my overflow tank does have some 'murky' looking coolant in it, but that could also be caused by the random overheating and such. right? I guess worst case is do a head gasket and get it over with. I'm pretty sure I have a slightly bent valve too, I have a hint of chatter in the valvetrain, and it was confirmed by a Honda mechanic so I might as well redo my valves also and shit by then I'll have a pretty much brand new top end..
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    So its been a week or so, and I can definitely confirm that my head gasket is starting to go. Im getting a little coolant in the oil now, and the motor does feel very 'tired' to say the least.

    I would like to get a spare head so I can do a valve job and cam etc and have it all ready to go so I can just do a smooth head gasket job over the weekend.

    Anyone know of a head for sale.. or better yet..what heads (if any) will work on the d16a6? Im looking for a straight bolt on, no frills, install...

    thank you!
  • Carguy717Carguy717 New Wagonist
    I just pulled a stock motor out of my wagon. the d16a6, the head is good but I believe the bottom end is bad(started knocking so I pulled it before something bad happended) Id sell you the whole motor.
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    I would prefer just the head, plus that way I could check it out to see if theres any damage from the knocking, what I really need are straight valves, tight valve guides, and a straight- non warped head.

    If I have to I will take the whole motor from ya- I can drive out that way if necessary. pm me with an asking price and hopefully I can work something out with ya.
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    ......and I really dont WANT to drive 8 hours to Scio, OR... :? so thats why i would like just the head, I dont mind paying for shipping just for that. :P
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    Jaker wrote:
    The rad cap could be releasing pressure too early. Try a new OEM cap. If the cap doesn't let the cooling system pressurize properly, the car will overheat, usually only under load. Either that or the head gasket is leaking. My 2 guesses.


    on a side note... the stock cap should be rated for what pressure? 13psi or .9bar i believe is correct, which is what is on there currently. I did swipe two other caps outta the junk yard the other day along with 4 coolant temp sensors....just in case :P :P :P
  • Carguy717Carguy717 New Wagonist
    Yeah I understand not wanting to drive so far lol. How soon do you want/need it? I visit baker city or often and that is only 2 hours away. As for the price, make an offer, it's just taking up space in my shop lol
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    Carguy717 wrote:
    Yeah I understand not wanting to drive so far lol. How soon do you want/need it? I visit baker city or often and that is only 2 hours away. As for the price, make an offer, it's just taking up space in my shop lol

    I am only able to go THIS friday... if thats too short of notice its cool, but if it works out I definitely would like the whole motor. I'll PM ya an offer if you can get it to Baker friday :mrgreen:
  • Carguy717Carguy717 New Wagonist
    Sorry man, I can't make it there this Friday. If you want it, I don't think it's going anywhere, so I can hold it if you want or if not then it will just sit there. Lol so pm me if you are interested still and an offer if you are. Thanks
  • sixbelowsixbelow New Wagonist
    I found me a stock head with low-ish miles here in town for a good price, so thanks for the offer man :D
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