2002 Honda Civic 1.7l 157k miles
So I've posted on this car before here's the issues having with it now, thank you all for the help.
So it overheats eventually when it's under heavy pressure, the engine. It seems. Like going up a hill for several mins, 3-4k RPMs for a few. Then several mins later will overheat. Let it cool down for like half and hr. Drive off totally ok. Can drive for hours, start and drive. Doing Uber eats in town and be ok. I usually never go past 3k rpms doing that tho and never for extended periods of time.
Radiator does look rlly old. Thermostat like I've mentioned before has been taken out by mechanic said it doesn't need one, cuz it's not cold in Hawaii. Kept getting stuck he mentioned.
I also noticed it started skipping last night the tranny, it sounded and seemed like. When I got the car a month ago it was over a quart low on trans fluid and was a like light brownish color. So I topped it off made fluid more fresh, smells more fresh.
Power steering leaking small amount, just refill? Lucas? What's up?
No exhaust smoke at all ever, so don't think headgasket is bad. Did compression test month ago, came out great.
Just got a job at dominos, so want to make sure I'm good for at least a few months. Been doing doordash and Uber eats too at night.
The owner which is somewhat a mechanic I bought car from said he barely drove it. He had it 2 years and barely put 6k miles on it. So this car prob hasn't been driven like this in a long time. I sometimes drive for hours a day.
What would you recommend I do to this tranny?
The overheating, well the fans are coming on. There IS fluid in the radiator.
What to do about power steering.
I also noticed that when going over small many bumps in Hilo Hawaii it sometimes shakes violently almost reminds me of a trans shudder but this doesn't happen when the roads are smooth. Well I did notice a small shudder that lasted like 2 seconds one time last night when I hit the gas and went off, then boom 2 seconds internal shudder and was fine.
Paid $1400 for car. Need it to last me at least few months of hours a day possible driving.
Thanks everyone.
If cooling fan is working overheating could well be due to a clogged radiator. You should install a thermostat but fix the overheating problem first. If the car is frequently overheated it's a given that you'll eventually blow the head gasket.
As far as the transmission you need to evaluate condition of the fluid. If it is burnt and gritty do not change it since the suspended grit may be all that's permitting the transmission to work at all. However if it's just a little dark you can do a drain and fill, replace filter if so equipped. Some Lucas transmission additive may help with the slipping for a little while. If the power steering leak is small just refill it periodically. Best thing is to take it easy and avoid excess strain on the transmission.
Basically it sounds like after 20 years the car is on its last legs. Mileage is not sky high but who knows how it's been treated along the way. I wouldn't count on it lasting a whole lot longer.
