February 1990

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Dear Tom and Ray:
I have a 1983 Honda Accord with an overheating problem. I was on my way back from Las Vegas. It was 110 degrees in the shade. I was heading up a ten mile long hill into a strong head wind, and the car overheated. Since then, I have had a new head gasket, new thermostat, and new water pump. I've even had the radiator recored and it still heats up after about six miles of driving. Do you have any idea how to correct the problem?
Albert

RAY: Start by taking the car back to the shop that replaced your head gasket. If you had severe overheating, you may have done more than just blown a gasket. You may have warped or cracked the cylinder head itself. Ask them if they checked the head for flatness. If it was warped, they should have milled it until it was flat again.

TOM: Also ask if they "dye checked" the head for cracks. If the head is cracked, it needs to be replaced. If they didn't investigate both of these possibilities, suggest they do it now at their expense. You'll have to pay for the head if you need a new one, but you shouldn't have to pay for the labor again.

RAY: If they did check the head, You've probably got a cracked block. In that case, drive back to Las Vegas and stay there until you win enough money to buy a new engine.

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© 2006 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.