1977 CiViC loses coolant

I had a '78 Accord which had a pin hole leak in the water jacket in the
intake manifold. This leak produced white smoke and over a period of time
it eventually caused the head gasket to fail. Upon removing the intake
manifold, there was a distinct line of dried up white antifreeze residue
running down the inside of one of the intake runners. Pressure testing the
manifold's water jacket with compressed air in a sink of water confirmed the
leak, air bubbles came out through aluminum runner.

Eric

 

Hi,

My bunky is an old '77 Civic 2-door with the blue smoke option pack. It
appears to be losing coolant and boils after a short time, but there are no
visible cooling system leaks.

My guess is that it's a corroded aluminium head issue and the leak is into
one of the cylinders. In that case it's pretty much a terminal situation for
such an old engine. Does that sound right, or am I overlooking something
less serious and maybe repairable?

Regards,
Murray R. Van Luyn.

 

No they don't.

 

Hi Eric,

Thanks for relating your experience. I haven't seen any white smoke from my
exhaust as you had encountered, but it's been running very rough for a few
minutes after start-up. I guess aluminium heads and manifolds just have a
finite lifetime in terms of coolant vulnerability.

Probably time I started looking for a replacement. I wonder if these Honda
Jazz sedans are much good?

Regards,
Murray R. Van Luyn.

 

What?

 

I want some of what you're smoking!

:0)

a

 

Yes, either they are.

 

Or have they as well? No, I agree.

 

Um, um, um...I did it!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~vanluynm/Reviews/RC_Cars_Honda_Civic_Electric_RTR_Review.php

 

| no visible cooling system leaks.

1 can put a big & thick rubber washer into radiator ( when
cool ) cap's socket, use a 60 ml syringe to pump air into
radiator to create pressure, then a leak can be noticeable
if fluid is seen / felt @ any joint.
www.aa1car.com/library/overheat.htm

 

Thanks for the link TE. Seems there are a few things I need to consider. I
know the electric thermatic fan doesn't work, but it hardly ever came on
except at traffic lights when it was working. Maybe I should investigate
that further, take a more serious look at the the thermostat, check the
timing, and then ultimately see about some form of pressure test.

Gee, I hope it is something simple. I've been nursing the poor old thing for
years now, and I would hate to ever see it put down.

Regards,
Murray R. Van Luyn.