General engine questions/issues that aren't specific to the other categories
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By SaskCivic
#86279 My 94 civic is having a hard time maintaining a constant engine temp while idling. When i am on the highway it heats just right, however if i am running around town, the temp gauge barely moves and i have little heat. I figures the thermostat was stuck so i just upgraded my thermostat to a 195 and topped off the fluids.


1994 Civic Hatch, 1.5 L


What gives??
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By teal_dx
#86375 did you bleed the coolant? If you have to bleed it from time to time then air is somehow making its way into your coolant system. That could be a leaking head gasket or a bad radiator cap.
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By suspendedHatch
#86388 Not to sound condescending but maybe you put the new thermostat in wrong. It has to be oriented a certain way.
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By SaskCivic
#86463 I am sure the thermostat went in right. I have heard the rad cap, i'll try it, and the head gasket??? No leaks anywhere that i can see???? I am going to try and bleed the system again.

What are your thoughts on a coolant system flush??
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By biretsu89
#86473 coolant system flush would help for sure if there is gunk or calcium build up in your radiator... it sounds like your radiator might need to be serviced or just get a new one... when you are going down the freeway... your radiator/motor are always being hit with air cooling it down..... when you drive on the street... its more work for the motor and not as much air hits the radiator to cool it down O.o ...
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By lopez286
#86790 its your water pump change it, my buddy had the same problem, flush the system got a new radiator cap and even a new thermostat and it turned out to be the water pump.
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By SaskCivic
#87019 Is that a for sure Lopez???


I flushed and changed everything and yet it doesn't heat unless i drive it.

The lower rad hose from the thermostat housing to the rad is always cold????

I am thinking the new thermostat needs to be changes, faulty???
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By lopez286
#87071 you can change the thermostat again if u whant but im pretty sure is the water pump like i said my budy had the same problem and did everything you are doing right now and it turned out to be the water pump