Can Radiator wait until next week?

Hi. I have a 96 Honda accord, i had the thermostat and hose changed due to overheating and coolant leak in april. Last night, while sitting in traffic, My thermostat indicator went to the top line, but not to the red zone, after turning on the heater, and pulling over and turning off my car for a few minutes, it stabilized. went to the shop this morning, guy said it's my radiator and total cost is 311 and some change. can i wait until next week to fix my car?
Can Radiator wait until next week?
Hi

If it Truly is the radiator then you should not wait or drive it very little. (short distances)..

Some things you can check that well cause it to over heat just to make sure it is the radiator ( I just can't see a radiator that new needing replaced.)

1) With the motor cold check the fluid in the radiator its self. it should be all the way to the top or no more than 1%26quot; below the top.

2) if that is good then start it let it warm up and see if the motor fan comes on (if its an electric fan, if its not an electric fan make sure it is turning when the motor is running).

3) it could also be just a stuck thermostat. I forget how to check for that.

4) with the weather getting cold are you sure you have enough antifreeze in it? with the fan pulling air Thu the radiator it can freeze it up (wind chill you know)..

good luck

tim
Can Radiator wait until next week?
Just to the top line on the temperature gauge? Did the electric fan kick in by then?

What I'm asking is, are you sure you even have a problem!

It's not abnormal for an engine to warm up when not moving. When it has warmed enough, the thermostatic fan should come on to assist cooling. It should be sufficient to lower the temp. a little, even if it doesn't do as good a job as moving forward can.

The allowable range is indicated by a low and high limit for normal operation.

If you're waiting a week anyway, whydon't you recreate your problem, and then drive on.

You may be pleasantly surprised to find the temperature drops anyway.

I think you may be feeling a little too sensitive because of having a real problem earlier.

Next time your engine is cold, also remove the radiator cap and see if the radiator is completely full, and the coolant level in the overflow reservoir at the proper level. If they are, you don't have a leak.

Ensure you replace the radiator cap properly, press down and turn all the way to the stop!

Don't open the cap UNLESS the engine is cold.


Not recommended to wait. If you overheat your engine that $311 fix-up fee will end up being $3,100 on a new engine! Better take the mechanics generous 90% discount and get it fixed before it's too late.



I would even hesitate to have you drive it short distances... might want it towed to the mechanic just to be sure.



This sort of thing is %26quot;better safe than sorry%26quot;
=- yes, but don't drive the car. the results can be catastophic. if your cylinder head gets damaged, the 311 dollar expense will seem minor.

- a head, with gasket and labor can get you well over 1000 dollars in repair bill. get the radiator fixed sooner than soon. your car will thank you.
You can wait but if the engine gets to hot you will either crack a head or the block. Probably not a great idea to drive it but we have to do what we have to do.
Dump some pepper in the radiator (google this repair to see how much)it will plug the holes until you can get it repaired.


Sure, you can wait.



Whether the engine feels like waiting till next week to overheat, and explode, is a different question.
Don't chance it. You can do serious damage to your engine if you overheat it.
no i would not recommend it these things have the tendency of taking other parts out with it when it goes kinda like al queda.
sure you can wait if your not going to drive it.
You can wait if you don't drive the car.
i wouldnt



BUT is there a pick a part somewhere near you? its nto too ahrd to change out a radiator...is he replacing with a new one or routing out the old (cheaper)