ratedZ Posted August 8, 2002 Share Posted August 8, 2002 Hey guys, let me start off with a little history of the problem. I have noticed this summer that my turbo would slowly overheat when I had the AC on...it would cool back down when I turned it off. She would also pass half [3/4] and it would start to get closer to the first line before the red while driving on the freeway. Same thing if driven a little hard on the surface streets. Today was a different story though...she was a few ticks passed the half on my way home from work [like the usual]. Kept driving and had a couple of hefty take offs [nothing more than the usual] when I happen to gaze at the temp gauge...what I saw almost gave me a heart attack ...it was on the black line before the red one. I get it home and I immediately open the hood to be greeted with boiling coolant. Would it be the thermostat? I checked the fan clutch and it seems to move back and forth with no problem. I was thinking that it could be the radiator but would that make the car overheat all of a sudden? I'm leaning towards the thermostat being bad and maybe wasn't opening. If you guys agree, I'm going to get a 160 degree thermostat. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperZ Posted August 8, 2002 Share Posted August 8, 2002 If nothing else seems wrong, I would say your thermostat stuck on you. However, I do not recommend a 160 - it will not help your overheating. I am surprised your fan is not keeping things cool...what is your ignition advance setting? Maybe your fan clutch is not locking up? In 90 degree heat, my Z with electric fan, intercooler, and stock ignition advance will only climb to 195-200 degrees in stop and go traffic. I am using a 180 degree thermostat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lockjaw Posted August 8, 2002 Share Posted August 8, 2002 You need to skip the 160 degree thermostat. That last of the cold start enrichment circuits shuts of at a coolant temp of about 170 degree's. Datsuns like to have warm coolant. Make sure your radiator cap is in good shape and I would pressure test the system and see what you find. It may be time for a radiator flush. Mine does not cope with the hot temps and Ac either. I have a 16 inch electric fan with an intercooler sitting right in front of the condensor. I need to have mine cleaned out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruez Posted August 8, 2002 Share Posted August 8, 2002 Haven't noticed any coolant loss have ya?? Sure would suck if the head gasket is starting to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratedZ Posted August 8, 2002 Author Share Posted August 8, 2002 Hey guys, thanks for the reply and suggestions. As for the head gasket, I think that it's fine. I've been running the same fluids in the radiator since last summer with no hints of coolant loss. I also had the cap off with the car idling and I did not see any bubbles. I ran it this way for about ten minutes until she started to get warm again. I'm going to replace the thermostat for the 180 degree one like everyone suggested this weekened and will see how that goes...I'm thinking about pulling the radiator out as well to get it cleaned professionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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