96 Acura 3.2 overheats after replacing the top radiator hose.

Radiators fail, why, well it may have a factory defect from day one, had a few of those. As far as filling goes remove the upper radiator hose, remove the thermostat and the fill through that, that should purge most of the air, reinstall the thermostat and hose, continue filling with the front of the car in the air on jack stands this lets any trapped air migrate to the top, also look for any small fitting that kind of look like grease fittings these are bled ports fill with those open, Fill the recovery to at least 3/4 full ad run engine but do not overheat, turn off the engine and let it cool down. then check levels again and add as needed.

Radiator has a top hose and bottom hose. If the leak is not coming from either of those, the radiator is leaking. Replace it. Radiators are not repairable....Mike

Okay....this is for the 4.6L engine....then I'll post for the 5.0L and 5.8L....not sure which one you have....and please don't forget to rate! Thanks a mill!!!!

1. Drain the cooling system to a level below the thermostat.
   
1. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
   
2. Remove the 2 thermostat housing retaining bolts and remove the thermostat housing.
   
3. Remove the thermostat and O-ring seal. Inspect the O-ring for damage and replace, as necessary.
   

2. To install:
   

   1. Make sure all mating surfaces are clean.
      
   2. Install the thermostat, O-ring and thermostat housing. Make sure the thermostat is positioned in the 3 o'clock position.
      
   3. Install and alternately tighten the thermostat housing retaining bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm). Connect the upper radiator hose.
      
   4. Fill the cooling system
      

Remove the thermostat housing bolts and ...

... remove the housing from the intake manifold

... remove the thermostat from the intake manifold

Thoroughly clean the thermostat mounting surface before installing a new thermostat

Always replace the thermostat O-ring with a new one

Make sure that the air valve is positioned in the 3 O'clock position after the thermostat is installed

Section 303-03: Cooling, Engine 1997 Explorer, Mountaineer Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Radiator - 4.0L Removal

1. NOTE: Refer to following illustrations.
   Drain the cooling system by removing the radiator cap (8100) and attaching a 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) inside diameter hose to the draincock nipple, located at the lower rear corner of the radiator tank. Then, open the radiator draincock (8115) and allow the coolant to flow through the hose into a suitable container.

1. Loosen hose clamps at throttle body and engine air cleaner assembly. Remove air cleaner outlet tube and position aside.

1. Remove radiator overflow hose from the radiator, disconnect two hose locators at top of radiator and position hose aside.

1. Remove two fans shroud bolts. Lift the fan shroud out of the lower retaining clips and position it on the fan blade.

1. Position upper and lower radiator hose clamps, remove hose from radiator and position it on the fan blade.

1. Disconnect the two transmission cooling lines from the oil cooler fittings on the radiator, install protective caps over lines and position aside.

1. Remove two upper radiator bolts.

1. Tilt the radiator back (rearward) approximately 25 mm (one inch) and lift directly upward, clear of the radiator support bracket and the fan blade.

Installation

1. Position the radiator into engine compartments, make sure that mountings on both tanks are inserted into radiator support brackets. Install radiator retaining bolts. Tighten to 6-8 - (54-70 lb-in).

1. Remove protective caps from cooler lines. Connect the two transmission cooling lines at the oil cooler fittings on radiator. Tighten to 16-24 - (12-17 lb-ft).

1. Install upper radiator hose and position hose clamp. Tighten to 3 - (26 lb-in).

1. Install lower radiator hose and position hose clamp. Tighten to 3 - (26 lb-in).

1. Position fan shroud in lower retaining clips and install upper bolts. Torque to 6-8 - (54-70 lb-in).

1. Position radiator overflow hose, connect to radiator and locators.

1. Position air cleaner outlet tube to throttle body and air cleaner assembly. Tighten to 2-3 - (18-27 lb-in).

1. Fill the cooling system; refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.

Have you tried a thermostat?I would go there first for any overheat situation.It is the cheapest and probably more than half the time,it's the cause.Also,air pockets in the radiator system are not really a problem.It works itself out relatively quick.If your radiator is topped off,always fill your external plastic tank,usually located on the sidewall,to the cold full line.Good luck Liz! Greg

i would get a radiator tester to make sure there is no air leaking out at a slow rate

should just be able to unbolt the housing that your top radiator hose goes to and put it in

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Drain the cooling system into a suitable container.
   
3. Locate the thermostat housing by following the upper radiator hose to the engine.
   
4. Loosen the hose clamps then carefully detach the hose from the fitting.
   

If the hose is stuck, carefully use a pick to break the seal between the radiator hose and the housing. If the hose is deteriorated, replace it with a new one.

1. Disconnect any sensors or switches that may interfere with the removal of the thermostat from the housing.
   

Remove the thermostat housing bolts


Pull the water outlet neck away from the housing


Note the installed position of the thermostat, then remove it

1. Unfasten the retainers, then remove the thermostat housing.
   

Some coolant may leak out of the housing as the seal is broken.

1. Remove the thermostat carefully noting how it's installed.
   
2. Clean the mating surfaces of the thermostat housing.
   

Many thermostat housing's are made out of aluminum alloy. A plastic scraper is very effective and will not harm such metals.
To install



A new gasket must be installed before installation


Install the thermostat with the air bleed valve at the top

1. Install the new thermostat and gasket.
   

Install the thermostat with the jiggle pin facing up. This acts as an air bleed and must be at the top of the thermostat to operate properly.

1. Install the thermostat housing, then tighten the bolts securely.
   
2. Connect the radiator hose and tighten the hose clamps securely.
   
3. Install any remaining components, then refill the cooling system.
   
4. Start and run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature while checking for leaks.
   

have you changed the thermostat? located at upper hose opposite radiator end in the gooseneck (usually 2 screws) make sure you buy a gasket or gasket making compound if changing. most overheats occur due to stuck thermostat (doesn't open to cool) you could pull tstat out for temp fix but it wouldn't heat well in colder weather

Make sure that there is no air in your block. If it over heated then I would replace the thermostat. There should be a bleeder valve by the thermostat housing. you need to turn it Intel all the air is out and you get a good stream of water.I don't know how hot it got so if it got really hot then you need to make sure you did not blow a head gasket.