PCX 150 coolant issue

[rundcm]

Hello New here
PCX has coolant issues since day one. At 2 K red light comes on took to dealer: findings: coolant in reserve tank but none in main tank; flushed and filled . 3 mos later, red light on after 20 min goes out. At 5K take to 2nd dealer, findings: "bad water pump, replaced. At 7 K to present (nearly 10K now) top off coolant-detect no active leaks, smell coolant as if burning off somehow idiling in traffic. last week: suspected crack in overfolw tank, removed. No crack, just a line where it plastic was cast, further inspection of old tank reveals plugged tube (lower one that runs to radiator?). The tube was POORLY cast hole in tube diameter way to small ...Replaced tank. New tank has better casting for tube. BUT Still smell coolant while idiling in traffic, checked today, appears it loses 3 OZ every 100 miles, havent checked the main tank yet but suspect it is a bit low too. I'd like to get this resolved. 2 dealers visits & one water pump did not complete repair. What else could be going on?

[gn2]

Could be a knackered or incorrectly fitted cylinder head gasket or an incorrectly fitted coolant hose or a leaky radiator or a damaged or incorrectly fitting radiator cap or a crack in a casting or an overheated and warped cylinder head or a leaky water pump seal.

[rundcm]

Thanks , but desire a realistic, methodical diagnosis. No interest in paying more $$ for "professional Honda mech" to troubleshoot.

[you you]

Hello New here
PCX has coolant issues since day one. At 2 K red light comes on took to dealer: findings: coolant in reserve tank but none in main tank; flushed and filled . 3 mos later, red light on after 20 min goes out. At 5K take to 2nd dealer, findings: "bad water pump, replaced. At 7 K to present (nearly 10K now) top off coolant-detect no active leaks, smell coolant as if burning off somehow idiling in traffic. last week: suspected crack in overfolw tank, removed. No crack, just a line where it plastic was cast, further inspection of old tank reveals plugged tube (lower one that runs to radiator?). The tube was POORLY cast hole in tube diameter way to small ...Replaced tank. New tank has better casting for tube. BUT Still smell coolant while idiling in traffic, checked today, appears it loses 3 OZ every 100 miles, havent checked the main tank yet but suspect it is a bit low too. I'd like to get this resolved. 2 dealers visits & one water pump did not complete repair. What else could be going on?

Warranty?

[MikeP]

I had problems with my Honda 50 overheating. I am so used to mixing coolant that I naturally mixed it 50/50 as per the honda manual, not realizing that it comes pre mixed. Thus I was further diluting the coolant to mostly water. Then in running the machine, it got hot, evaporated off some water and caused the coolant level to drop and overheat the machine. The conclusion was to flush the rad system and properly fill it with the 50/50 premix. My problem solved. Is it possible you coolant mix is off as mine was?

[gn2]

Thanks , but desire a realistic, methodical diagnosis.

You won't get one here.
Without seeing your PCX an accurate diagnosis of the problem is impossible.

[rundcm]

Thanks MikeP The coolant added is premix-no water added. I see pleanty helpful answers to mechanical questions in forums such as these. Most helpful from ones who post had similar issues. Never heard of a responce such as "You wont get any here" What the hell kind of answer is that? Somebody need $$$?

[sendler2112]

It sounds like the original problem may have caused the engine to overheat and now it is burning coolant internally. You may need a new engine.

[SECoda]

I have had three autos that overheated and warped the head and then leaked coolant into the cylinders. Sure sounds similar. Hard to forget that coolant smell getting burned. Fixable but expensive on a car. A Subaru and two Toyotas. Once the warp occured from the overheat its all over until the warp is fixed.

[sendler2112]

Hard to forget that coolant smell getting burned.

It's a sickening smell on it's own from the burning chemicals. And more so because you know what that means for your engine.
.
Since it started from from a proven factory defect on this particular PCX, I wouldn't accept anything less than a replacement of the piston, jug and head. And a loaner vehicle for the time it is in the shop.

[SECoda]

Yes - from what he says it appears to be a manufacturing defect and should be covered regardless of the warranty. Depending on your dealer Honda can be pretty good about that (ask me how I know - another car problem). Call regional office if the dealer doesn't cover it. It may have run hot a long time.

[rundcm]

Thanks guys, first I ever heard of proven factory defect ,can you share more specific ifo on "known" defect ?
Chemical smell described by forum Benefactor decribes sensory sensation when idiling on this thing. Am not too optomistic about the dealer making good -Dealer "repalced" the water pump last year around this time "under warrenty" because I had issue looked at by another Honda dealer VERY near warrenty end. Then dealer called back 2 days after picked it up & said Honda corp. would not cover the cost to reimburse them for the work. Felt bad for dealer but, not bad enough to pay for them for replacement water pump. Does Honda have anything similar to GM's TSB service bullitens? Any info on Defect, etc. you guys direct me to IS much appreciated. Am dismayed only owned from new 2 years & it sounds like its toast already.