FC3AZ

Hello there, this is my first post in this forum, but, I have been reading along for the past couple weeks. I recently bought an 87 GXL 5spd with 66k miles on it, and it is in nice shape. I heard these cars are only suppose to run at 1/4 on the temp gauge. Problem is, is that I am consistently running 1/3 to just below 1/2 on the gauge and am wondering what problems there might be. I checked the oil, and the level is perfect. Is it possible that the radiator is worn out, or some other part needs to be replaced? I would appreciate any help in the matter, thank you!

No7Yet

No worries. The 89+ RX-7s run at 1/4, while the 86-88s run 'twix 1/3-1/2. Just as long as the needle doesn't move. Of course, if it ever does, your motor's probably already toast.

If you're really worried, go out and buy a good water temp gauge. Then you'll know the exact health of your stock cooling system. IMnsHO, that sould be *everyone's* first mod.

Brandon

FC3AZ

Ok, now I am really worried.......what do you mean, about it moving? Cause if I get on it pretty hard, it heats up pretty quick, then cools back down. The motor feels super strong. Please tell me more about it "moving". Thanks again.

Ryde _Or_Die

Well I have an 88 GXl & mine runs below 1/4 usually. You can check you radiator hoes & look for leaks. My car ran hot every once in a while & ended up being my water pump & when I waited it ruined my alternator as well with water so look to see if any water leaks from the top of you water pump. I didn't know this, if you catch it its only like $50 for another one. Just a suggestion.

Greys 10th

NO7YET said,
"No worries. The 89+ RX-7s run at 1/4, while the 86-88s run 'twix 1/3-1/2. Just as long as the needle doesn't move. Of course, if it ever does, your motor's probably already toast."

Actually you got it backwards.
The 89-91 models ran 1/2 way. I am sure you have heard of the expression idiot light..when there is no guage just a light(and usually to late). Well the temp guage in the 89-91 models is a IDIOT GUAGE. meaning it goes half way and it is always there. When i had my 89 GXL and I had the coolant changed if i got on it real hard i could get the temp to come down but it would go back to half way. So the 89-91 temp guage goes half way it has no fluctuation. If the guage in a 89-91 goes a little past half way then it more than likely is to late.

The guage in the 86-88 rx7 flutuates...it is a real temp guage..not sure about accuracy..most stock guages on anything arn't to accurate. but the 86-88 is fairly desent for stock purposes anyway. On my 88 TII the guage stays around 1/4 the way up..if it is cold outside and drive regular..if i drive spirtly then it comes up and goes back down when return to normale driving. in the summer it gets to half way especially if it is hot.

First thing check your radiator fluid level. in case you dont know best to do it and safest to do it when the motor is cold.

like someone mentioned check hoses even with low miles the car is still 14 years old, so hoses could be old and cracked. I believe there is a heater hose on the driver side that is notorious for leaking...my 89 GXL had that happen once dont know if it is on the 87 model though...i think it should be.

make sure the waterpump belt is tight..possibly air in the system is another thing..but i kinda doubt the air thing.

I bet it is just low..check that stuff...oh and obviously check Like mentioned before for leaks. I got a few more ideas but check all that first.
later and good luck

FC3AZ

Here I am again. I looked at some things tonight, and the overflow tank was about on the "low" mark. I put more fluid in that, and got a new radiator cap thinking the stock one might be letting pressure off and cause the higher temps, but.....that wasnt it. It actually ran a little warmer with the new cap. I checked hoses, and they are good to go. My radiator is pretty nasty after I got a look at it closer. This car was driven in New Jersey for the early part of its life, so that might have something to do with it, I really dont know. Also, something that I would like a little info on, from the "smart" people of this board.....hehe......I opened the radiator cap to replace it, and inside that hose and tube, there is some nasty gritty looking stuff that looks like rust. What is that? Just wanted to get some info. Once again, thank you guys!

The Ace

Just do the normal "flushing" procedure that needs to be done once every year......



*suddenly Ace remembers that he hasnt done his yet*

*runs out of the office to get his Rex to a Mazda workshop*

Ryde _Or_Die

Can you just remove the lower radiator hose & put a garden hose in the radiator up top? Somehow I don't think thats all there is to it

fuzzi

I think its better to be safe then sorry... Just get another Water Temperature gage from you local autoparts store.... I have never had my car overheat.. and i know for a fact my gage is very innacurate... it sits around halfway... all the time, and it has a brand new solid engine !! Another thing to think about... is to maybe go by a wrecker in your area and spend 20 bucks and pick up like an electric fan off an old buick or something.. that will definetly make your engine run cooler... and is a definate must for anyone owning an rx7... good luck

Ryde _Or_Die

Ya my car ran hot today for some reason. Think my upper radiator hose was not connected good. I swtched out the crappy stock clamp & put on a real hose clamp nice & tight. I need to flush the coolant today if I can get some good instructions soon here, hint, hint

SureShot

I had an 87 GXL. It ran at 2/3 for 2 years and then started to run up. I repaired the pump housing & replaced the fan clutch to cool it right back down. By the way, flushing an 87 is easy since you have 2 caps. Just clamp the hose between the caps & flush in one & out the other..