1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

12A overheating

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Old Sep 9, 2001 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
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12A overheating

Today I finally got the water temperature guage to work; and just as I suspected the coolant is overheating.
yesterday it blew out of the reservoir tank. I was starting to think the engine was pressurizing the system because I had a bad water seal, now I'm not sure after reading some things in the 2nd gen section, and since my radiator doesn't bubble up or boil when i remove the cap and start the car, I guess it just got hot. Also the car puffs a very small amount of white smoke at idle, but it almost invisible.

What are the steps for diagnosing overheated engines? I think I'll get replace the thermostat right away, then go on to the water pump and such. The car just gets hotter and hotter until it starts steaming out the hoses and overflow tank. Also, it backfires alot and in general it has been running like crap. I'm going to take it to a shop once I can get it stay cool.
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Old Sep 10, 2001 | 10:02 AM
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Mine was overheating due to a locked up thermostat. See https://www.rx7club.com/vforums/show...threadid=17428

Let us know what you find!
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Old Sep 10, 2001 | 10:42 AM
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What's your radiator like?

Try flushing the coolant system and looking into the radiator. Is there nasty white scaly crap inside? With teh car running, but not to the point it's overheated, feel the bottom end cap and the top end cap of the radiator. Do you feel any cooler spots, or is it evenly warm? The top should be a little warmer than the bottom. Can you see leaves and bugs wedged between the radiator fins? Does the radiator look quite old?

Cool spots and white scale point to a blocked radiator. They corrode with age and collect mineral deposits. If that's the case, Have it rodded out by a radiator shop or replace it. (The radiator shop will reccomend what the best course of action is.)
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Old Sep 10, 2001 | 01:20 PM
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Now that you mention it; the radiator IS in pretty sad shape. But like pos says I'm going to start at the thermostat, then work my way to the big buck items. Now if I can only get my oil pressure guage hooked up then I will know if thats part of the problem = ).
thanks guys. I'll look into a thermostat later this week I have to put a new caliper on my FC and get the damn auto seatbelt recall done. In the meantime I'm going to post some pics of all the unconnected wires and hoses to see if someone knows what I'm missing...I thought the engine swap was going to be a 3 hour deal that sounds pretty funny now. Thanks
Later on
Joe
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Old Sep 10, 2001 | 02:00 PM
  #5  
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I know why you are having such a hard time with this....lokk at your post number.....666, that can't be good.
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Old Sep 12, 2001 | 10:51 PM
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You know it. Look at my post count now I blew through 666 and haven't looked back I'll be at 1000 before I get this thing tagged and on the street
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Old Sep 13, 2001 | 09:22 AM
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Did you get it to quit pukin out of the overflow?

Last edited by P.O.S. Racing; Sep 13, 2001 at 09:26 AM.
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