I noticed about 3 wks ago that my car started to overheat, didn't really check till a few days later and had to replace two hoses. A wk after that it started again so I was like wtf? Then I noticed that the water pump was leaking.....so ok found my overheating problem. Suddenly though it stopped and everything worked fine again. However I noticed after THAT my ac started clicking after dropping in rpm (slowing down from about 60 or so). So my dad says it's the ac compressor either overcharged or undercharged but I'll go with under since I checked and there's a clear green substance under the compressor and I got it charged in July. BUT.....once again strangely THAT problem went away and rarely comes back......but NOW whenever I turn on the a/c the car overheats suddenly. I'm talkin' just starting the car and driving to the end of the corner after sitting there overnight kinda sudden. So anyways thing is even THAT is strange cuz it only happens now and again. I noticed that the radiator isn't circulating as it should but I'm thinking it's cause the of the water pump which I'm suspecting it's way out. As soon as I can though I'm gonna get a timing kit.....would it have something to do with my oil too cuz I haven't changed it in a while, a month ago the oil light came on and it started overheating I added a quart of oil but I know I gotta do an oil change just unemployed now so kinda tough. Anyway I wanna get some input on this....also though I have a gut feeling it's not......how safe is it to drive the car like that for now (keeping in mind the car is fine now whenever the ac isn't on). Thanks.

I think maybe I busted the water pump cuz I didn't pick up on the oil problem in time ya think?

 

Driving without oil like you did is very bad for your engine. You need to check on the dipstick periodically instead of driving until the light comes on. When the light comes on, you are completely out of oil and it is usually too late. But if that was a month ago and your engine isn't completely blown, you may be OK. You should immediately put in enough oil to reach the normal range on the dipstick, probably two more quarts will be needed.

Very sudden overheating, but other times working normally, is often just the thermostat getting stuck closed. It may not have anything to do with the A/C, just conicidence. Try putting a new thermostat in, it is not an expensive part. Do not continue to drive when overheated, this is the other major way (besides running without oil) to completely ruin your engine in a hurry.

 

dont have thermostat had it removed since theres no need for it where im at but i've monitored the overheating and it actually happens when the ac is on. maybe the water pump cannot handle it or something i do suspect that its on its way out. yesterday was my last day of moving the car though so told my gf to make other arrangements of getting around til i get it fixed. she doesnt understand the feeling of your other baby being sick lol

 

Wait, you're unemployed so changing your oil is tough?
I would think that would make for more time to change the oil. It only takes about 15 minutes at the most.

 

lol no getting the money to (things sorta expensive here)....have bank payments and life insurance to pay which takes most of my money other than that i've been fixing other things on the car like the steering rack and recently got ac hose replaced due to leak didnt expect overheating problems compressor started to leak and water pump going out in budget.....hence you see the dilemma. i'll get that sorted out sometime this wk though

 

You do have it completely full of coolant, right? Check in the radiator not the reservoir bottle. As it has overheated before, the head gasket may have started to leak. That will blow the coolant out of the radiator and cause overheating.

 

Sometimes coolant level is fine sometimes radiator gets empty, sometimes it SEEMS clogged. I bought some flush but cant get the butterfly looking thing out of the bottom of the radiator for the life of me so haven't flushed as yet, I'm regrouping lol. Makes sense about the head gasket starting to leak seeing it actually did blow the coolant out after i opened the cap and the car hadn't even been on 10 minutes. I'm ordering a kit sometime next week so I'll be getting the full water pump kit with the tensioner, crankshaft & cam seals, idler, and all the drive belts to have em changed all at once. Then I'll monitor for about a 2 wks and will know for sure. I've already done all necessary checks and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the head gasket. Though I'm not much for guess work though I'm pretty sure most of these problems stem from my water pump since it seems the crap goes bad every 3 - 6 months (this time around will be my fourth within 2 yrs). My uncle says it's common with hondas as well as the electrical problems I've been having but that's another story. Though....lately I've been thinking to just forget it period and sell the car as is, been through a whole lot of stress and MONEY with it. prolly coulda had 6 civics by now lol