Let me start out by saying that I am in no way a mechanic and can perform the usual minor maintenance. Problem is the temp guage in my civic will go almost to the red on occasion, like long distance trips (+ 40 miles), then it wont do it for a while. The car isn't modified and its my daily drive, has new radiator and engine is in excellent shape with recent tune up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just dont want it to over heat and cause some internal engine damage.
Thanks in advance

**update, flushed and bled the system. Heard a booiling noise near the radiator cap after driving so replaced cap. Still doing same thing. Also have not seen the fan turn on once, any ideas?
Thanks again

 

Check if the fan is functioning properly, coolant level, then thermostat.

Also try flushing your radiator, could be a bubble in the cooling system.

 

flush that bitch - if it flushes and the fan works, no problems - if it doesnt, bad thermostat

 

Sounds like your coolant is low or there's a bubble. Possible thermostat. Flush that shiiii

 

yea i agree radiator flush...


it also could be headgaskets... because thats what happened in my lt1 camaro

 

I had a hose with a pin hole crack in a hose, it that caused the same problem, it wouldn't let the coolant system reach the right pressure. Try a pressure test.