i just replaced the radiator on my 04 civic 1.7.
after replacing that, i am having problems with the fluid being pumped into the reserve when its hot, but not pulling it back when it cools down. i have replaced the cap 4 times but no luck, also had the engine checked, no problems there either. any suggestion as to what might be going on?

thanks
rich schuster

 

Are you overheating at all? Any white smoke from your exhaust?
I would just make sure that the radiator is topped off, and that there is coolant in the reservior. (in between the MIN and MAX line)

Im sure someone with more knowledge here will chime in and help you out.

 

no overheating at all. no white exhaust either, also checked the oil, everything is fine. I top off the radiator and made sure the reservior is fulled between the min and max line. is there a bleeder line for this year?

 

If you're sure the head gasket is not leaking... Check the seal in the top of the radiator cap. Also the line from the radiator to the reservoir must be airtight. Some new plastic radiators have mold flash on the nipple for that line and it doesn't seal properly. Carefully file or shave it off with a knife.

Run the engine with the cap off, if air bubbles stream out constantly when you rev it there is probably a leak in the engine.