Sunflower, every car is high maintanence if not taken care of. These vehicles have the same problems as others, just not so many parts to deal with. Seriously, though, read through the archives, do some research on FAQ's, and don't feel stupid for asking.

Just ask in the right way. These guys are real ******, like myself, and are very serious about their cars. They take time out of their own schedules to make sure that these cars are kept running, because they are unique. When starting a thread, first search, and read, and if your still unsure, be specific in title. You will get more response if your honest, and give SPECIFIC details.

ie: 1990 FC3C, n/a, coolant question? Researched, but confused about 1st step. TY

The people here could tell you if wire # 787 on ECU, not CPU, is fried. TPS, ACV, CAI, CAS, thermowax, EGR, FSM, Pulsation Damper, BAC, AWS, EGI, LIM, IAC, just to name a few. Six months ago, I thought they were talking about the NEW CHANNELS on a satellite system.

Get my point! Good luck, and being that you are a female, I am single, and a dog, not a pig, so keep your chin up. Being a supportive parent is half the battle, us jerks here is another story.

PEACE THE DOG

 

sooo... enough with the drama and your baby's mama. Anything new with the car. Unless the throttle cable was damaged or has been replaced with an aftermarket one it shouldn't be too long. Maybe it's just stuck. Keep us posted.

 

Ok update...got air out of system twice, the 2nd time she ran longer before starting to overheat. We did a test on the seals and they are fine, no large amount of coolant in overfill or fuel smell in coolant.

 

I'd say replace the thermostat with a Mazda OEM one. They seem to be the only ones that work correctly.

There are a number of things that can cause overheating though:

Bad thermostat
The radiator may be partially clogged
Your fan may not be working properly
Coolant seals fried
Bad water pump
Water pump belt slipping
Bad radiator cap(s)
Underbelly pan may not be installed (usually doesn't effect normal driving)
etc.

 

Wow, this sounds exactly like what happened to my car a couple weeks ago. I still haven't figured out what's wrong with mine yet. The best way to test this would be to get ahold of a coolant system pressure tester. That will show you if you have any leaks. If the pressure drops but you don't see any external leaks, it's a safe bet you need to pull the motor.

 

Is the coolant on bottle a brownish in color? if so it is definately time to flush the system. also air definately needs to be out of the system to not overheat. Also when doing a flush you cannot add just straight coolant. as it will overheat. I see that you ive in S.C. and since its becoming winter the best bet is to add a 70 -30 mix of water to coolant in the summer I flush an add a 50-50 mix of both. Water cools better than the ethylene glycol that is used in anti freeze . but is needed to properly lubricate water pump and colling system properties. But first try flushing the system and re3moving trapped air. since also this is the cheaper route than I would try the thermostat like 87FC said. I hope it helped some, and good luck.-Erik

 

SORRY!!!!!!!! I meant that if the color of the coolant is brown or you see that the overflow bottle has a brown residue that the system definately needs to be flushed! also when i said 70-30 water to coolant I meant 70-30 coolant to water! 70%coolant 30%water! sorry!-Erik

 

The coolant not brown in color. We have flushed the system, added 50/50, wondering if radiator might be blocked, gonna check for cool spots. Bought a thermostat, if that doesnt work going to rent a pressure tester. I drove her about 20 minutes yesterday, no overheating or boiling. Now prob with throttle cable, not pulling choke all the way over. So she's slow till 3rd gear. It actually popped out and gas pedal just went all loose, I was like what the h*&^! I will try to find that part today, choke may need replacing also. Cross my fingers on the stat...

 

Sunflower, welcome to the world of the Rotary Masterpiece. Recently, I had similiar scenario-Sept. 9th, coolant temperature sensor, Sept 11th, upper radiator hose, Sept 14, water pump, put on all new hoses while I was there. Sept 23- I turned 40. Oct. 5th, thermostat. Thats just the cooling system.

Bring the car to California, and we can fix something on each others car daily. Think of how much you're learning. Good luck, and if you get bummed, private message me, and hearing of all my repairs will put a smile on your face.

PEACE THE DOG

 

Thanks for the warm welcome...I needed it, remember I come from the generation of muscle cars, no computer crap, runnin hot get a stat! Actually she's not runnin hot now after the 3rd time of gettin air pockets out of system. Think I will put in new thermo anyway cant hurt! When I trust her enough to drive to CA maybe I will come for a visit! By then she will need a rebuild, if not before, huh (P.S. Happy b-day by the way)

 

If your thermostat isn't working, air bubble chase is frivolous. Install new thermostat, reblead the system, and again, and again, at one sitting. Don't stop, and come back to it.
Squeeze the radiator hoses, just follow instructions and it will be fine.

By the way, rebuilt my power window regulator cables on drivers side, installed, something shorted out, now neither side is working, no radio, but it starts. See, you got it easy.

PEACE THE DOG

 

LOL, ok ok, I could deal with no power to windows, got that on my 98 camaro, but NO RADIO ????