# Radiator fluid level

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** accord, honda\
**Created:** [July 29, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621 "2013-07-29T21:29:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Sportyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sportyguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sportyguy)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621/1 "2013-07-29T21:29:12Z")

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Have a 1996 Honda Accord that had a tune up ( new plugs, wires etc). also had leak in a radiator hose fixed. About a month later, engine started to over heat. Fluid in radiator was very low, but no phsical leak. Filled it up and in 3 days radiator is low again. This time I noticed a soft brown buildup around the radiator cap.I checked the oil filler cap to see if the underside was carmel color ( head gasket leak), but cap was clean. Now, it is running rough and will not idle when I come to a stop. Can’t figure out what is going on !

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**Author:** ![knfenimore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9fc348/32.png) [@knfenimore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/knfenimore)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621/2 "2013-07-29T21:31:32Z")

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Sounds like a head gasket leak. You need to get it checked. Leak down test and hydrocarbon test should verify it quickly.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621/3 "2013-07-29T21:42:12Z")

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Pull the oil dipstick out and check if the oil is contaminated with coolant.

Tester

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**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621/4 "2013-07-29T21:43:18Z")

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I agree with @knfenimore. Maybe drive it to the shop if it isn’t far but stop using the car until you get it checked.

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**Author:** ![fatrap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ac8455/32.png) [@fatrap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fatrap)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 7:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radiator-fluid-level/80621/5 "2013-07-30T07:28:57Z")

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Agree with knfenimore.