Overheating, Signs of Exhaust in Coolant, but None

Asked by Dustin Jul 13, 2017 at 01:02 AM about the 2003 Honda Civic LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car overheats on the freeway after about 20-30
minutes, especially in stop and go traffic. I see
signs of exhaust in the radiator (when rad cap is
off and car is running, bubbles come up. Steam
comes out once it gets hot. Fluid comes out when
car revved). However, it just passed a block test
with flying colors (fluid that detects exhaust stayed
dark blue, no hint of green or yellow). What other
issue could cause those same symptoms? Any
help would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I just
changed the thermostat. No difference.

4 Answers

Dustin answered 6 years ago

If it did need a head gasket, it would've failed the block test, right? There's no exhaust in there.

Mark helpful

Dustin answered 6 years ago

I've tested it five times, at different engine temps, different coolant levels, and with the car having been idled or revved for different amounts of time, all tests come up solidly negative for exhaust in coolant. I would be willing to be resigned to a headgasket issue if the test confirmed it any way or if the fluid turned even slightly green, but it doesn't, it's solidly Smurf blue. Is there any other possibility?

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

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