About 3 months ago, my mothers 95 Teg RS (auto) had the timing belt and water pump replaced as part of our regular service schedule (the car has close to 200km) Two weeks ago the heater core blew causing coolant to leak on to the floor mats on the passenger side (cost $1000 CND). Now just today the radiator blew (seals at the top have come apart). The rad (Koyo brand) is only 15months old and the car has only been driven for 15000km (or something like 8000 miles) since it was last replaced.

My question is, is it possible that the mechanic who installed the water pump did a faulty job and that is causing us to experience all these other weird cooling system problems? Doing a search on this website doesn't reveal much about blown heater cores (I nearly flipped when I heard that part had to be replaced). What else could be behind this and the blown rad? ANy thoughs would be much appreciated!

 

I dunno about the heater core, but the radiator exploding at the end caps is an expected event, even though it did happen early to you.

I'd guess that most likely the fluid might be too much water, and freezing cold weather during the canadian winter caused too much stress on the comonents?

 

Would having the water pump replaced have a role in this? Could this just be pure coincidence?

 

I replaced my water pump, tensioner, and timing belt along with the thermostat and radiator and both hoses and clamps. Everything was fine for about 15 months and then the radiator failed. So i replaced it and everything has been fine since, never had a problem with heater cores, Honda/Acura heater cores are bullet proof. You must have had some NASTY old coolant running through there.