ok, got a Honda Civic, 97, non-V-tech.

been over heating, changed, temp sensors (2) , installed Thermostat as it was not there, changed hoses and still had problem.
installed NEW radiator and it semi cured the problem,car does NOT over heat whiile on the FWY, not let it sit at iddle for a while and it starts over heating.
Fan comes on ONLY when the temp is near the red line, this after changing sensors ETC.

did a head gasket test at a mechanic and he said it was fine.(head gasket anyways)

when the car is running at decent speeds , I have no issue, let it be slow and it starts heating up until the fan kicks in and it comes back to normal temp after a while.

tried to smog the car and it failed

heres a copy of the report


any suggestions/ideas?

 

any idea on how to replace the check engine light?

 

I didn't think the LX (non-VTEC) even was supposed to have a knock sensor. You may have the wrong ECU for your engine. If there is a knock sensor it's on the back of the engine block or on the intake manifold near cylinder #1.

Failing the tailpipe test on HC and CO (combined with a zero O2 reading) means the engine is running too rich. Main reasons for that are that it's in open loop mode because it isn't fully warmed up (bad or wrong thermostat), or bad O2 sensor (usually causes a code).

 

umm, is there an easy way to tell if its a V-tech?
is that marked on the Engine somewhere?

Tech guy said it runs rich when overheating as well.

 

Check your model of your car whether it's a DX,LX,EX, or Si that will determine if it's and learn this spelling Vtec, Not Vtech(This company makes phones)

 

Since parts get swapped around a lot, examining the engine itself is the only way to tell for sure. Look for the VTEC solenoid valve bolted to the back (intake side) of the cylinder head near cylinder #4. From the factory, only the EX and Si were equipped with the VTEC engine.

 

sadly, I dont see the model of the car anywhere, no DX,LX,EX, or Si anywhere on the car or registration.

car has power lock, windows, moonroof, cruise control.

 

You could have an EX then. Another thing to check is the engine code stamped on a pad on the front of the block right where the engine meets the transmission. D16Y7 = non VTEC, D16Y8 = VTEC. But that is only valid if the head hasn't been swapped off since the VTEC system is in the head not the block.

A dealer can look up the VIN and tell which version it is (or was when originally built). I think you can go to hondaautomotiveparts com and do it automatically.

 

thanks, Ill check it out.