Scotty,
1997 Honda Accord radiator failure, what are the effects on temperature sensor?
Car overheated lost all water. Radiator has been replaces, but it is idling rough.
If the temperature sensor was extremely heat stressed would that affect its operating capabilities, thus creating an issue with the computer controlling the timing?
Thank you,
Dan B.
Could Temperature sensor be damaged, but not set P0117 code?
Will an overheated engine ruin the spark plugs?
If the car was overheated due to the radiator failure, besides the radiator, I would change the thermostat and temperature control sensor as well. You may do the leak test (use the kit Scotty talks about) for headgasket to make sure it is not blown.
The radiator was original and had small seam leak on top cap area before failure.
After an overheating event if the engine is not running well it's most likely a blown head gasket.
More likely as it warms up you have cylinders losing compression due to the head gasket. Try a head gasket test kit or have a mechanic check it out.
How much does it cost for a head gasket repair? If it runs smoothly at first, does it sound like it might be okay?
You'd have to check with mechanics in your area for a cost estimate. Anything we tell you from here is going to be guesswork, the car really needs to be checked out hands-on to diagnose it and see how much damage was done by the overheating incident.
Assuming it's the head gasket, given the car's age a proper repair could well cost as much as the car is worth or more. In that case you could elect to try the "last resort" Bar's head gasket sealer that Scotty has talked about in his videos. If it works at all it's just a temporary bandaid to get you by while you shop for a new car. (It could also clog your radiator or heater core.)
It runs smoothly until it warms up, then a little rough. Could temp sensor cause this?