Topic: 2004 EL - Heater not blowing hot when idling

[gta_driver]

I suspect a bad thermostat is the problem.

At 156,000 kms you are overdue for having timing belt replaced. If you have not done so yet I would suggest it be done.

Routinely .... pump change and coolant flush should be done at same time as Timing belt replacement. This along with changing your thermostat should address all your concerns.

I concur with Slybry.

I have an 04 EL also.

Get the water pump changed with the timing belt. genuine Honda parts are not expensive provided you go to a Honda dealer instead of an Acura dealer. I think a genuine Honda timing belt and water pump will set you back $270. Any competent mechanic can do the change.

I didn't follow the coolant change schedule in the manual. I simply changed the coolant every couple of years regardless of mileage driven. Only use the green stuff.

[articsteve]

Honda calls for 192K km interval changes for coolant, or 10 years, whichever comes first

Well there you go.  Companies will tell potential owners anything to get them to buy their vehicle.  Ten year old anti freeze will be beyond corrosive.  The  "alkalinity" will be zero.

Interesting comment Steve.  So are you saying that Honda is risking their reputation for building good engines just to stretch coolant intervals?

I currently have two Hondas, both with coolant that is over 4 years old.  Actually one has coolant that is 7 years old.  What am I risking here?  I'm not trying to be a smartass, I am truly interested to know.  I've spent quite a bit of time on a Honda Pilot forum and their has never been a mention that coolant should be changed out earlier than Honda recommends.

I currently have two Hondas, both with coolant that is over 4 years old.  Actually one has coolant that is 7 years old.  What am I risking here?

Corrosion - engine, heater core, heater valves, anything metal in nature either copper or aluminum based.

So are you saying that Honda is risking their reputation for building good engines just to stretch coolant intervals?

I went and looked that up and I was really stunned by that.  There isn't a "long life" coolant that does not start to go acidic after 4 years.  Most car companies and antifreeze suppliers claim 5 year life.   Take the infamous DEXCOOL issue.  The stuff was designed to go 5 years to meet an EPA target resulting in a credit of some sort.  The problem was that somewhere between 3 and 4 years, depending on climate/usage, etc., Dexcool became abnormally acidic hence all the leaks/ gasket failures and resulting class action lawsuits.

You can see for yourself.  Buy a package of test strips and place one strip in a new jug of Honda coolant which I believe is now sold as a 50/50 anti freeze/water mix.  Clever $$$$.  It will test out alkaline which it should.  Now test the anti freeze in both your Hondas and they will both test acidic.

Toyota "Red" is alkaline for 4 years for the average user, after that it starts to go acidic.  But 5 years is the industry standard thanks to the EPA.  Furthermore, there are valuable lubricants added to the antifreeze that will never last past 5 years.