[DustyTSX]

Hello all! I have an 04 automatic and I’m having an issue with the coolant system. I have changed the thermostat and flushed the coolant with fresh coolant, I replaced radiator cap, as well as both fans. I have not changed the water pump or the radiator I don’t see any leaks coming from any of those areas, just from up top I guess the pressure is causing it to spill from up top in the coolant reservoir. I changed lower and upper hose as well. Another thing is that the car does not overheat after maybe 40-60 mins then I will see the gauge rise.. but then after it suddenly goes back down. So it’s not showing any sign of overheating on the gauge, but when I do check the car after shutting it off I can feel the engine feel a little hotter than usual and you can see that the coolant was getting spit out.. Maybe heater core?? Not sure radiator, water pump?? Since I do smell coolant inside the cabin?? Any help would be appreciated it. Thank you. 🥴

 

[Litespeed08]

A coolant smell in the cabin is almost always a sure sign that the heater core (or hosing at the heater core) is bad. I've been through that scenario twice (other cars) and it was a bad heater core in both. Coolant only passes via a heater core in the cabin to provide heat.

Not sure how much work it is in the TSX to fix but it was a bit of work in my other cars. I had to remove the entire console to get to the heater core. Best of luck.

 

[SKEOSH]

Sounds like you have air in the system or a sticking Thernostat. When you replaced all the hoses and flushed the system, did you bleed the system with the heater on max setting? These vehicles are also notorious for being difficult to bleed and sometimes require lifting the front end to properly evacuate any trapped air. If you're worried about a potentially blown headgasket, you can purchase a combustion leak detection kit from any auto parts store, they are cheap and it takes just a few minutes once the vehicle is up to temperature. That may give you some piece of mind.