i have honda civic 1996. My car does not start unless i give it a rest for approx 15-30 minutes to cool the radiator top. My car did not overheat since the thermostat reading was 2/2 or 3/4 level.
Before this happens my thermostat reading is ok. I noticed I have to allow the radiator top to cool
before I can start the engine successfully. ( my radiator top part was replaced by metal type i think
copper with the original radiator body. Only the plastic cover of the radiator was replaced ). I also
noticed occasional leaking on the cover of the reserve container which was reduced by changing the
cover with a new one. I also noticed that my radiator water level is low occasionally each time after i
park . I raised the car to check any leaks but there was none., Then only recently i noticed that the
thernostat starts to get to maximum. Only last night I noticed that the radiator faan does not turn on
even when maximum ( maybe explains the overheating ). I unlpugged then plugged back the
connector to the thermo sensor that turns on the fan and the fan starts to turn. Then third time i did
it , it did not work so I installed a wire into the connector to make the fan tcontinuosly...what seems
to be wrong with my car. Also then i turn the headlights off or on the reading on thermostat dial on
the dash board is affected.