Haven't had my 85 rx out much this year but now I'm having a problem with it running a little on the warm side. Appears it is the fan clutch that is not working correctly. When I'm on the hwy it runs much cooler but runs warmer then I'd like in town and if idling in traffic starts to go up a bit more.

Has had a system flush with new thermostat and radiator cap just for the hell of it.

In Black Dragon Automative I see a fan clutch for an 85 12A is $329.95 but one for a 83 is only $139.95. Why the big difference? Looks like both use the same water pump.

Any suggestions or someone with a good used one?

 

They probably have a mix up and are quoting the price for a 1985 GSL-SE, not the 12A. Look up the fan assy. for the GSL-SE and see if the numbers make sense. Also, check a couple other sources for confirmation.

 

Which thermostat did you use? Stant can't.

 

160 Summer Thermostat. Was running warm before this. I think it would overheat if I let it.

Link to the fan clutchs on this page. Was also quoted a similar price from local parts store.
http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icatalog/rx/0055.asp

 

Electric fan time! Probably cheaper and better.

 

Found one on ebay from Apex. Used for $52 with shipping. Seems fair with a 30 day warranty.

 

save money and go for an elctric fan (dual reversable electric with a controller is best, you could get lucky and spend way less than $200, especially with ebay, or many newer than 1990 cars at a junkyards have dual-Es, the yard will typically just charge you $25 to pull), you'll also get tad better engine response and quieter operation...

when I first got my 7 it would run really hot and then I figured my exhaust was completely stock and the cats, which are already restrictive, were kinda clogged. Taking care of that improved temps alot, I haven't yet put an E fan on there, but when I do it'll also make it easier to make the hood modification I'm planning - https://www.rx7club.com/rotary-car-performance-77/what-scoop-685969/..

When I was last driving, mind you I'm in Arizona, I had taken care of the cats, removed the Power steering and ac compressor, got rid of the condensor in front of the radiator, and even in city driving my temp needle would stay put just below middle and the clutch fan would barely ever come on... I haven't changed/flushed the coolant and right now I'm replacing my pilot bearing..

I'm getting to realize you can't ever really fix an RX-7, it's a labor of love..

 

Check your PM's...