I've tried everything. New thermostat, replaced broken heater hose. Removed Radiator and flushed it out. Connected the wires for the gauge off the bottom of the radiator as they were broken. The car still runs hot when on the highway. At idle it stays cool, right in the middle of the gauge. Looked at the fan clutch and I can stop it by my hand at idle. It doesn't speed up as I rev the motor but I thought they were to do that so you don't lose hp. Help me as I have no where else to turn to. This is my first RX7 and so far it's been a good car for te two days of owning it.

 

So you removed your rad and flushed it? You must have a custom made toilet or something man!

Anyway, did you flush the engine? Did any rust colored stuff come out? You know, there is a chance that your dash guage could be inaccurate Measure the coolant and oil temp with some sort of digital infrared heat tester or something. Or a candy thermometer. You could also measure the oil temp in the pan by inserting a compost thermometer in the oil filler tube. I think Racing beat suggests 180* (degrees F) or something. But it should never be allowed to exceed 200* I think.

You'll figure it out. We all go through a learning curve. Just be carefull.

 

You need a new fan clutch, it sounds like to me.

 

I closed one end of the radiator and used a flushing fluid and the hose. No rust came out from the motor. I was going to do the temp thing but with it blowing out the overflow tank as steam, I'm sure it running hot. What does the gague on the bottom of the radiator do? There's also one off the water pump.

The fan clutch is the way I'm headed as it has to pull the heat away at speed or help it along. I got the car for cheap and want to keep it as a daily driver. Way too much fun driving and a cheap autocrosser racer

 

The fan helps in keeping the engine cool in slow moving situations and at idle. One you're on the highway, it doesnt do much. You can drive your car without the fan as long as you stick to highway speeds... but if you hit stop and go traffic you might run into trouble.

 

Consider having your radiator rodded out...if it is the original then it has been subject to 16-20 odd years of clogging.

Running addvanced timing or lean fuel mixtures will also cause a car to run hot, but sounds more like the radiator needs rodded or replaced...

Mark

 

ok, seems that I had a thermostat that was 180 and teh better parts guy said it's stock at 195 and it has not overheated since.

Thanks for the help all. I got the car for $500 and I just need to get some straight pipes for the cats as they seem plugged.

No smog here in my town, so the wallet is the limit!

 

You might have a bad water pump...If not, the radiator is probably bad....flushing isn't enough..Thermastat..??

 

You might want to throw in a gallon of antifreeze.its slippier then
water and flows better,oh,and it won't help rust get a foot hold
in the engine