I just baught a 92 civic LX for my daughter. I have already replaced the starter, water pump, timing belt and ECT. the problem I cant figure out is the temp stays where it should(1/4 -1/2) but if it is drivin for 20-30 miles or so and shut off the car it will not start with out a jump. Both fans are working A/C fan comes on when the A/C is on and the rad fan comes on but when the engine is hot and I shut off the car the rad fan does not stay on and the car will not start. Now if I turn the key to the # II position it will come on and cool the engine and it will start. any sugestions?

 

The fan is working as it should. It should not run with the key off. It should only run with the key in ON(II), if the engine temp is 196F or higher.

 

Its odd because after driving it for a while, turning it off and try to start it with-in a half an hour I have to get the jumper cables out. and the engine feels realy HOT but its not overheating. I got the engine hot and shut of the car then turned the key to pos II the temp gage went to the red but as soon as I got the car started gage fell to normal operating range.

 

Check for a parasitic drain:

http://batterychargerstore.com/what-...tic-drain.html

 

There are two problems here: borderline overheating and not starting.

Check for air in the cooling system, and bleed it if necessary. Park the car on level ground and let the engine get fully cold. Then take the radiator cap off and make sure it is full to the top. Set the heater to full hot and start the engine with the cap off and add more coolant if necessary to keep the radiator full. Then put the cap on.

For the electrical problem you'll need a voltmeter. First measure the battery voltage with the engine running but everything else off. Should be around 14 volts. If not there is a problem with the charging system. Then measure battery voltage while trying to start but it won't. Measure at the battery posts. If it drops below 9 volts, faulty battery. If battery voltage stays up could be a bad connection at the battery.

 

thank you both will do both tomorow and let you know.