OK guys heres the deal. My 86 is overheating. This is what i have done to try and remedy this annoying problem. Flushed the radiator, removed thermostat, replaced fan clutch, converted to electric fan. The heater core has been bypassed, prob was leaking. The only other thing i know to do is to replace the water pump. Maybe its rotted away and not pumping the water correctly? If this is the problem, where can i get one cheap? There is no steam coming from the exhaust so i dont think the seals are bad, and no water in the oil. IF you guys need more info, post here and i will be back on later this afternoon. Thanks alot guys.
Brett

 

You probably made it worse by removing the thermostat. Get a real OEM thermostat from Mazda.

 

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/cooling.htm

 

Yeah only use the mazda t-stat any other t-stat will cause the 7 to overheat.In the states its about 20.00

 

Your problem is you changed to an electric fan. Most of them will not cool a rotary and most I've seen have been installed without any shroud which is very important. If your clutch fan isn't broken, try install it back. If you're in doubt about the clutch fan, it should be semi stiff when the engine is warmed up and not free spinning. And you need a thermostat.
If your water pump failed, there should be a leak in the peep hole under the water pump. See if there's coolant coming out of there.

 

i really don think an E fan needs a shroud since its already flat mounted right onto the radiator

 

your right igottafc.If an e-fan is flat mounted with its on shroud it should not be a problem.

 

A shroud is something that covers the whole radiator and not just a grill to protect your fingers from getting chopped off. There is a difference.

 

A shroud is something that covers the whole radiator (fin area)and not just a grill to protect your fingers from getting chopped off. There is a difference.

 

yeah but you can buy electric fans with shrouds already , not just the grill.

 

the e-fan's housing is usually the shroud because the fan shroud's purpose is to make the air movement go directly through the radiator. The e-fan has a housing that also promotes this.

 

Arron and the rest of ya,
Thanks for replying. I will first try the thermostat and then the water pump. I REALLY hope its not the seals... i dont get any smoke though. Thanks again.
Brett

 

I don`t have my thermostat in my car and the car runs fine. I doubt it`s the thermostat problem. When I got the car 2yrs ago it was overheating because of the thermostat.
I personaly think it`s your water pump.
Try either way. It`s a good idea to have a T if you go to the cold areas, cause the car won`t start in the morning without it.

brake a leg.

doca

 

I used to run the FC without thermostat too, it is not the best solution, but it shouldn't overheat under normal conditions either.

 

If you run without the stat, you MUST plug the bypass port in the pump housing (just below where the stat was.)

Leaving that port open is equal to blocking off 1/3 of your radiator.

 

Also, those replying about the e-fan need to read:

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efanmyth.htm

 

Hey there Turbo, I have an 88 F.I. convertible that has issues with cooling as well. Be sure to do a visual inspection on the water pump gasket AS WELL as the water pump manifold gasket. They usually become crustified and fail over time. It is often over-looked by people/mechanics. Any pressure leak in your cooling system (which im sure you know) will cause your coolant to boil at a lower temp = overheating probs. Also...you had mentioned that you installed an electric fan...I dont see any problem with that just as long as the fan blades have the correct pitch and are blowing air in the correct direction...Good luck shipmate...

 

Hey there Turbo, I have an 88 F.I. convertible that has issues with cooling as well. Be sure to do a visual inspection on the water pump gasket AS WELL as the water pump manifold gasket. They usually become crustified and fail over time. It is often over-looked by people/mechanics. Any pressure leak in your cooling system (which im sure you know) will cause your coolant to boil at a lower temp = overheating probs. Also...you had mentioned that you installed an electric fan...I dont see any problem with that just as long as the fan blades have the correct pitch and are blowing air in the correct direction...Good luck shipmate...

 

Hey there Turbo, I have an 88 F.I. convertible that has issues with cooling as well. Be sure to do a visual inspection on the water pump gasket AS WELL as the water pump manifold gasket. They usually become crustified and fail over time. It is often over-looked by people/mechanics. Any pressure leak in your cooling system (which im sure you know) will cause your coolant to boil at a lower temp = overheating probs. Also...you had mentioned that you installed an electric fan...I dont see any problem with that just as long as the fan blades have the correct pitch and are blowing air in the correct direction...Good luck shipmate...

 

Hey there Turbo, I have an 88 F.I. convertible that has issues with cooling as well. Be sure to do a visual inspection on the water pump gasket AS WELL as the water pump manifold gasket. They usually become crustified and fail over time. It is often over-looked by people/mechanics. Any pressure leak in your cooling system (which im sure you know) will cause your coolant to boil at a lower temp = overheating probs. Also...you had mentioned that you installed an electric fan...I dont see any problem with that just as long as the fan blades have the correct pitch and are blowing air in the correct direction...Good luck shipmate...

 

Aaron, the thermostat (to my amazement) was the correct fix. Got it from Mazda. Problem solved. Turbo will be the next fix. Thanks for the awsome help guys.
Brett

 

Aaron, the thermostat (to my amazement) was the correct fix. Got it from Mazda. Problem solved. Turbo will be the next thing. Thanks for the awsome help guys.
Brett

 

Aaron, the thermostat (to my amazement) was the correct fix. Got it from Mazda. Problem solved. Turbo will be the next thing. Thanks for the awsome help guys.
Brett