WTF is wrong with my car?
 

Ok so heres the long version of my cars problems.

Last summer and thoughout this winter my car was driving fine boost power etc all seemed fine. Except for a lower than normal temp reading (stock gauge I know they suck):)

(Has this ever happend to anyone?)

Then, about two months or so ago the car started to over heat and I immediatley shut it off and had it towed to my house.

From that point on untill about a week ago the car wouldnt start. That is, untill I replaced the spark plugs and wires and performed the standard "flooded engine" start up procedure. At which point it started up but it idles rougher than usual. There also seems to be a small oil leak coming from the turbos that only appeared the first time the car was started but has not resurfaced.

The car makes good power and has "seemingly" good compression. it doesnt leak or use coolan but, it still wants to overheat. Does this seem like a thermostat problem? Or maybe a clogged cat? I'd like to try all the little fixes before I start on more expensive approaches.

Thanks,

Matt Walsh

Well if your fans are cutting in ok and its not drinking water then it probably isn't overheating, just the dodgy gauge giving incorrect reading.

For what its worth you could change the thermostat if it hasn't been done and hold your water pump pulley and rock it to see if you have play at your pump.

If your cat were blocked that bad it would probably overheat and cause the overheat warning to come on,i really don't think you have an overheating prob.

if you seem to be over heating, then i'd start with the thermostat and a full coolant flush and change. when was the last time you changed the water pump? if that doesn't do it, then i might suspect a water seal about to go CAPUT.

Bump?

fly me out there and i'll look at it. :)
i need a vacation anyway

Re: WTF is wrong with my car?
 

I had the same problem a few weeks ago...my engine would start running rough at idle and the fans would turn OFF, then the temps would start moving up. See if your fans are turning off when this all happens...could be the water thermoswitch and/or water thermosensor. I figured the ECU was getting screwed up signals about the temps and running rich and turning the fans off. Ran like shit at lower rpm's, but also ran strong at full throttle.

If your going to change the thermostat, might as well change both of these too...there in back of the thermostat housing. Completely fixed my problem.

Oh, and you might want to get the better (miata) thermoswitch while your at it.

Thanks Panda,

is the miata switch a direct replacement?

thanks

matt walsh