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Cooling System Acura RSX I

Cooling System (mechanical) 21 illustrations ~1365 words

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Component Location Index
Scheme 1: Component Location Index

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Radiator Cap Test
Scheme 2: Radiator Cap Test
  1. Remove the radiator cap (A), wet its seal with engine coolant, then install it on the pressure tester (B) (commercially available).
  2. Apply a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kgf/cm 2 , 14-18 psi).
  3. Check for a drop in pressure.
  4. If the pressure drops, replace the cap.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Radiator Test
Scheme 3: Radiator Test
  1. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator with engine coolant to the top of the filler neck.
  2. Attach the pressure tester (A) (commercially available) to the radiator.
  3. Apply a pressure of 93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kgf/cm 2 . 14-18 psi).
  4. Inspect for engine coolant leaks and a drop in pressure.
  5. Remove the tester, and reinstall the radiator cap.
  6. Check for engine oil in the coolant and/or coolant in the engine oil.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Fan Motor Test
Scheme 4: Fan Motor Test
  1. Disconnect the 2P connectors from the radiator fan motor and condenser fan motor.
  2. Test the motor by connecting battery power to the B terminal and ground to the A terminal.
  3. If the motor fails to run or does not run smoothly, replace it (see «RADIATOR AND FAN REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).

Thermostat Test

Replace the thermostat if it is open at room temperature.

To test a closed thermostat

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Thermostat Test
Scheme 5: Thermostat Test
  1. Suspend the thermostat (A) in a container of water. Do not let the thermometer (B) touch the bottom of the hot container.
  2. Heat the water, and check the temperature with a thermometer. Check the temperature at which the thermostat first opens, and at which it is fully open.
  3. Measure the lift height of the thermostat when it is fully open. Standard Thermostat Lift Height: Above 8.0 mm (0.31 in.) Starts Opening: 169-176°F (76-80°C) Fully Open: 194°F (90°C)

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Water Pump Inspection
Scheme 6: Water Pump Inspection
  1. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system__drive-belt-replacement) ).
  2. Turn the water pump pulley counterclockwise. Check that it turns freely. If it doesn't turn smoothly, replace the water pump. NOTE: When you check the water pump pulley, you may see a small amount of "weeping" from the bleed holes (A). This is normal.
  3. Install the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system__drive-belt-replacement) ).

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Water Pump Replacement
Scheme 7: Water Pump Replacement

Scheme 8

Scheme 8
Scheme 8
  1. Remove the drive belt (see «DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system__drive-belt-replacement) ).
  2. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  3. Remove the drive belt auto-tensioner (see «DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
  4. K20A3 engine: Remove the six bolts securing the water pump, then remove the water pump (A).
  5. K20A2, K20Z1 engines: Remove the oil cooler joint pipe (A), then remove the seven bolts securing the water pump. Remove the water pump (B).
  6. Inspect and clean the O-ring groove and mating surface with the water passage.
  7. Install the water pump with new O-rings in the reverse order of removal.
  8. Install the drive belt auto-tensioner (see «DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
  9. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 7 ).
  10. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Coolant Check
Scheme 9: Coolant Check
  1. Look at the coolant level in the reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX mark (A) and MIN mark (B).
  2. If the coolant level in the reserve tank is at or below the MIN mark, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX mark, and inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Coolant Replacement
Scheme 10: Coolant Replacement

Scheme 11

Scheme 11
Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 13
Scheme 13
  1. Start the engine. Set the heater temperature control dial to maximum heat, then turn off the ignition switch. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.
  2. Remove the radiator cap.
  3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the engine coolant.
  4. Remove the splash shield (see step 24 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).
  5. Remove the reserve tank drain cap (A), and drain the engine coolant.
  6. After the coolant has drained, tighten the radiator drain plug securely, and install the reserve tank drain cap securely.
  7. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark (A) with ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001).
  8. Pour ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. NOTE: Always use ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001). Using a non-Honda coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a mixture of 50 % antifreeze and 50 % water. Do not add water.
  9. Install the radiator cap loosely.
  10. Start the engine, and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice).
  11. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator and add ACURA Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 if needed.
  12. Put the radiator cap on tightly, then run the engine again and check for leaks.
  13. Install the splash shield (see step 25 on «ENGINE INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: Thermostat Replacement
Scheme 14: Thermostat Replacement
  1. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  2. Remove the splash shield (see step 24 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).
  3. Remove the lower hose, then remove the thermostat.
  4. Install the thermostat with a new O-ring, then install the lower hose.
  5. Install the splash shield (see step 25 on «ENGINE INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).
  6. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 7 ).

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Water Passage Replacement
Scheme 15: Water Passage Replacement

Scheme 16

Scheme 16
Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 17
Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 18
Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 19
Scheme 19
  1. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  2. Remove the alternator (see «ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).
  3. Remove the A/C compressor without disconnecting the A/C hoses (see step 49 on «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).
  4. Remove the intake manifold: K20A3 engine (see «REMOVAL - K20A3 ENGINE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) ) K20A2, K20Z1 engines (see «REMOVAL - K20A2, K20Z1 ENGINES»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) )
  5. Remove a bolt (A) securing the connecting pipe.
  6. Remove the lower hose (B), connecting pipe (C), water bypass hose (D), and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose (E).
  7. Remove the water passage (A).
  8. Remove the thermostat housing (B).
  9. Remove the water pump (see «WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  10. Clean and dry the water passage mating surfaces.
  11. Apply liquid gasket, P/N 08717-0004, 08718-0001, 08718-0002, 08718-0001, or 08718-0009 evenly to the cylinder block mating surface of the water passage. NOTE: Do not install components if too much time has passed after applying the liquid gasket (for P/N 08718-0002, no more than 4 minutes, for all others, no more than 5 minutes). Instead, remove the old residue and reapply the liquid gasket.
  12. Install the water pump (see «WATER PUMP INSPECTION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  13. Install the thermostat housing (A) with a new O-ring (B).
  14. Install the water passage (C) with a new O-ring (D). NOTE: Wait at least 30 minutes before filling the engine with coolant.
  15. Install the lower hose (A), water bypass hose (B), and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose (C).
  16. Install the connecting pipe (D) with a new O-ring (E).
  17. Tighten a bolt (F) securing the connecting pipe.
  18. Install the intake manifold: K20A3 engine (see «INSTALLATION - K20A3 ENGINE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) ) K20A2, K20Z1 engines (see «INSTALLATION - K20A2, K20Z1 ENGINES»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) )
  19. Install the A/C compressor (see step 3 on «ENGINE INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/mechanical/#engine-removal-and-installation) ).
  20. Install the alternator (see «ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/charging-system/#charging-system) ).

Water Outlet Replacement

Replace the water outlet (A). Discard the old O-ring (B) and replace it with a new one.

Scheme 20

Scheme 20: Water Outlet Replacement
Scheme 20: Water Outlet Replacement

Scheme 21

Scheme 21: Radiator and Fan Replacement
Scheme 21: Radiator and Fan Replacement
  1. Drain the engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system) ).
  2. Remove the front bumper. 2002-2004 models (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers) ) 2005-2006 models (see «'05-06 MODELS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__05-06-models) )
  3. Disconnect the hood switch connector, then remove the A/C line bracket mounting bolt, intake air duct mounting bolt, and harness clamps (see step 8 on «REMOVAL - K20A3 ENGINE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) ).
  4. Remove the upper bracket and cushion mounting bolts, then remove the bulkhead (see step 9 on «REMOVAL - K20A3 ENGINE»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exhaust/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system) ).
  5. Remove the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose.
  6. Disconnect the fan motor connectors and radiator fan switch connector, then pull up the radiator.
  7. Remove the fan shroud assemblies and other parts from the radiator.
  8. Install the radiator in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the upper and lower cushions are set securely.
  9. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed the air from the cooling system with the heater valve open (see step 7 ).