rx-hvn

Here's the deal: I replaced the thermostat last Sunday after my '88 vert (147k mi.) overheated (waiting for a train, in the rain, AC blowing on HI). Last Monday, on my way to work, my car starts bucking as im going about 65 and continues to feel like its running rich/ missing until i pull it over and stop it. When i got out my tailpipes were so hot they were starting to burn the plastic bumper skirt and my cats were glowing. Also, the needle on my temp gauge never went any higher than a 1/4 of the wway up.

I got the cats pressure checked and they're a little clogged but not bad. So, I thought i might have gotten a bad thermostat and replaced it again. I start it up, let it idle, then it starts running like crap again and the "Add Coolant" light and buzzer stayed on since i turned the car on. I let it run for about 20 mins and the needle on my temp gauge still wont go any higher than 1/4 way up and the engine didnt get to sounding any better. I'll go start it again here in an hour, but i thought i might as well try posting while i wait.

When i replaced the first 'stat, i went ahead and topped off the coolant level at the cap on the thermostat housing; this time i didnt - just to see if there's a pressure issue or something. I also noticed i dont have a sensor ON the housing for a wire to attach, as opposed to the picture in my Chilton's manual. Now, Ive changed thermostats before and nothing's happened like this on other cars. I know these things are a little touchy, but is there something i missed? Is there a special sequence or trick i'm not adhering to? Or, did my temp sensor go out on me when i changed the first 'stat?

rx-hvn

I should add that, after letting the car sit for the eight hours i was at work and then starting it up again, i didnt encounter the same problem to such an extent, but my temp needle never went over 1/4 of the way up and it did feel like it would sometimes miss or foul out for the last week.

cluosborne

Did you actually overheat the engine? If you did, you might want to make sure the engine is ok.

rx-hvn

I checked the oil and its still amber. the temp needle showed about 2/3 up the gauge scale and this was alomst a month ago. it STARTED looking like it was trying to overheat one other time 2-3 weeks ago, but after i started moving, the needle went right back to it's "happy spot". Also, 2 weeks ago i ran some Seafoam (decarbonizer, inj. cleaner, etc.) thru it and ran like a DREAM until i replaced the 'stat.

rx-hvn

I waited almost an hour and checked it again. started up the same way it did after work last monday: almost perfect but still the same problems of idling about 100 rpms higher and temp needle doesn't go any higher than 1/4 up. Any suggestions? I think its running rich cuz it's running too cool, but what should i check to get that fixed?

cluosborne

First, download a copy of the factory service manual. Second, at least eliminate the engine itself as the problem by reading this page: http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/blown.htm

I worry that the overheating could've caused damage, and that might explain the problems you're having.