Why is my car overheating?
1998 Honda Civic Ex
Its not the radiator because I recently resolved all of those problems before it started overheating now. The temp gauge rises to the H while I'm stopped, driving and on the highway within 5 min of starting the car. White smoke comes out barely from underneath the engine. Looks like a hose by my splash guard. I recently change my upper hoses and added oil but no oil change in a long while. I'm hoping it's not a blown head gasket. I know the car needs a oil change, New gasket value coverings, power steering fluid, and also a New o2 sensor. Any other clues. I see no signs of a leak but I do smell burning oil when I drive.
Blown head gasket or water pump or seal
Too much heat
Next question. Can I change the head gasket myself because I know this is a very EXPENSIVE fix. Not really a car expert but I have time on mystery hands
Do not try to replace a head gasket, it is a complex repair, easily botched up by a noob mechanic, really. Things like your head needs to checked by a machine shop for warp before the head can be re-used.
You can hope your heater core is bad but, do a compression test but most likely your head gasket is failing.
It's an 18 year old Civic for goodness sake! Cut your losses and spend your money on something newer. Check for a blown head by all means but if the test proves your head is the problem it's time to call you local scrap yard.
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