Now that the weather is getting warmer (here in CT) the RX-7 is starting to see some warmer temps. As I was driving her around campus today I noticed that the temperature needle was a bit higher than usual I am sure due to the heat outside. I pulled over and checked the coolant overflow tank and it seemed fine. The rad also seemed to be nice and full when I checked it later.

My worry comes with even hotter days and harder pulls on the car, I don't want to ruin anything. What can us RX-7 guys do to keep the temps down on our babies? I was thinking new rad but I can't afford one nowadays (yes I know a new better rad is cheaper than a new engine). Is there any coolant thats better than others? Will flushing the system help? I am open to any suggestions.

Dan

 

You should flush at the start of each summer.

Make sure your fan belts are good. Radiator hoses too. Shroud is there (helps alot). Clean out all the junk that may be clogging the raditor fins.

Don't 'race' in the middle of a 90 degree day.... save it for morning or sunset

 

Fellow RX-7 owner, read my other post. My car ALMOST DIED from the heat in CT. Barely made it. Now it is still overheating, I think my fan, thermostat or waterpump might be bad

 

Manufacturers test extensively in extreme hot and cold weather during the design of a car, so there’s no reason a healthy cooling system shouldn’t cope during a hot summer. Of course a 15yo cooling system may not be entirely healthy!
Definitely flush your cooling system every 12 months and use the proper 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Hidden culprits of an under-performing cooling system could be a stuck thermostat, blocked radiator or an internally corroded water pump. I’ve seen water pumps pulled of cars this age where all the blades the impeller had corroded away to useless little stumps!

 

How do i test for bad water pump, bad thermostat and bad fan? My car is running way too hot right now. I know i have something bad. now just have to locate it

 

If you have a Haynes of FSM, I'm sure there's a way to test the thermo.

I just rebuilt my engine... new waterpump and all I flushed the radiator at that time too (April 2001). I think I will be flushing it again this weekend too .

Just curious... what's a new OEM thermostat run for? I might just replace it as precautionary maintenence.

 

i think 20 bucks with the gasket

 

also make sure the clutch fan is working properly

 

Lots of useful help, thanks guys! I will be flushing soon. And tmak26b good luck with your car! Hopefully she'll be on the road soon!

Dan

 

What part of CT are you in?

I just went for a test drive, still running 210-230

 

it is always 80degrees and higher here in south florida.
I just do regular maintance. Car runs in tip-top shape and never had problems overheating. Even the turbos are in excellent shape.

 

I live in Danbury but currently am at Uconn in Storrs, CT. Where are you at?

I can imagine how much hotter it is in FL. When I first got the car in the summer I think the temps were around where they are now and I got used to them lower during the winter. I plan on flushing the system and replacing whatever I can now...I don't want her dying. Good luck everyone!

 

I live in Norwich, i communte to CCSU every day

Good luck on yours, i just ordered a new waterpump and a new thermostat