2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Running Hot! Aftermarket Radiator??

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Old Sep 28, 2001 | 10:31 PM
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Running Hot! Aftermarket Radiator??

just got my new engine in, and it runs at 50% on my temp guage. my old engine ran at 25 to 30%. the new engine has a street port and a few other bolt on mods. my question is this.

is there an aftermarket radiator that has more cooling power, while retaining the size dementions of the stock one?
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 12:49 AM
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did you take off your fan shroud? if so put it back on. also check to see if your thermostat is good. did you use an aftermarket one? or an older one? always get mazda for that item.
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 08:32 AM
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every bolt was put back. every peice was put back. i only mis threaded the wiring harness in one spot. i went ahead and put a new oem waterpump and new oem thermostat just for good measure.does anyone with a street port run a little hotter than stock?
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 08:40 AM
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To your question about radiators, I installed a Fluidyne this spring and yes it does have better cooling capacity, and was a direct drop in, it is a bit thicker than stock and is all aluminium so it should have better heat dissipation. There are some other performance options also, Griffin radiator and Mazda makes a competition model.

I am not running the shroud (looking for one in better condition) and did not have any cooling problems all summer. However, I do not do much city driving.

Greg O.
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 09:10 AM
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Re: Running Hot! Aftermarket Radiator??

Originally posted by rotorhead1
just got my new engine in, and it runs at 50% on my temp guage. my old engine ran at 25 to 30%. the new engine has a street port and a few other bolt on mods. my question is this.

is there an aftermarket radiator that has more cooling power, while retaining the size dementions of the stock one?
Your 91 should be a 1/2 on the temperature gauge. Maybe your old temperature sender was acting up. Have you tried testing the coolant temperature with a regular gauge?
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 09:40 AM
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i hadnt thought of that ill give it a shot. the target temp is between 170 and 185 right?
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 11:17 AM
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Originally posted by rotorhead1
i hadnt thought of that ill give it a shot. the target temp is between 170 and 185 right?
180-195 should be about right. You can buy a gauge from Pep Boys for $20, but if you want something permanent go for a better gauge.
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 11:24 AM
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Re: Re: Running Hot! Aftermarket Radiator??

Originally posted by 13BAce

Your 91 should be a 1/2 on the temperature gauge. Maybe your old temperature sender was acting up. Have you tried testing the coolant temperature with a regular gauge?
mine usually reads 1/4 to 1/3 only read 1/2 when i am really beating on it or its like 100 degrees outside. all the other 89-91 i've seen stay at the middle. my car had a reman put in by mazda like 3 years ago.... just wondering if something is wrong.
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 12:35 PM
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The OEM thermostat is 180F, so you should be close to 180 to 185. Higher when driving harder etc.. The stock gauge reads at 1/2 way regardless really of what temp it is. I have an aftermarket water temp gauge, and the stock one hits half way at 150F and stays there over 195F which is the hottest I have gotten on my aftermarket gauge. Just some food for thought
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 12:44 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Running Hot! Aftermarket Radiator??

Originally posted by vosko


mine usually reads 1/4 to 1/3 only read 1/2 when i am really beating on it or its like 100 degrees outside. all the other 89-91 i've seen stay at the middle. my car had a reman put in by mazda like 3 years ago.... just wondering if something is wrong.
I noticed on my old car--91 turbo convertible-- that the stock gauge stayed in the middle from 160 degrees F to 230 degrees F. I put a Mazda motor in my 91 coupe--the motor comes with a new temperature sender--and the gauge is at 1/2. It could be that your gauge is off. The best way is to check with a real gauge. The stock 89-91 gauge is really more of a dummy light.

86-88 cars are a whole different story: They usually stay around 1/4, and 1/2 is about 212 degrees F.
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 01:36 PM
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Talking

Yup, I run a 88 GXL and I recently *month ago* got a Fluidine *spelled right?* aluminum radiator for the car. Well if you guys saw my old radiator you would agree that it was time to get another one. The fins were bent like crazy *rocks i assume* and i think someone tried to roast a bird down there or somethin. *Feathers everywhere* Anyways, my gauge rarely goes above 45%-50% and just stays around a third of the way up. I want to put in an aftermarket temp gauge in there but I think i'll wait until I get the turbo kit I'm gonna install this winter. ^_- Anyways, good luck!

Peace,
AJ ^_^

PS: The new radiator was a direct replacement for the old except it's a little... beefier. *Good sign*
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 01:41 PM
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Do yourself a favour and invest in a new temperature guage.. you can get a good one probably for about 50 bucks... The stock mazda ones are soo inacurate.... !
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