Acura EL overheating / heat issues

[alex.w *//]

I have a 2004 acura el, and recently the car started to overheat.

I already changed the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and radiator cap.


The problem is when I'm going out in the morning, I would get no heat in the car, but when im on the highway , heat would come full on. When I exit the highway and get onto a red light, the heat would cut out. Also when im at a red light too long or stuck in traffic, the needle would start to creep up.


Any advice or shop that I can bring to?

[SSM_DC5]

How's coolant level?
Does the radiator fan work?

[mb_]

Could be head gasket. That generation Civic/EL has head gasket issues. When I worked at a Honda dealership, we'd see one a week.

I'm also assuming the system has been bled properly after the water pump was replaced.

[boibuddha]

The inconsistent heat sounds like air pockets in the cooling system.
Could be from a head gasket failure or a leak.

I would check the oil for any signs of mayonnaise or smell the coolant for exhaust gasses; both are signs of head gasket failure.
Also, an over filled coolant expansion tank is another sign of gasket failure.

[alex.w *//]

Its most likely head gasket from the symptoms

[fearlesss]

Originally Posted by alex.w *//

Its most likely head gasket from the symptoms

my friends 1.7 el have the same problem, was it your head gasket?