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The Z's water temp. got up to 250 degrees in stop/go traffic today for the first time ever. I don't think it's ever gotten above 220 or so previously. However, once I got moving again the temperature immediately dropped back down to normal (below 220). What could be the problem? Thanks in advance.
It gets around 90-110 degrees around here during the hot days, so whenever I'm in traffic or stop and go driving, my coolant temps reach the 250-260 range and I even get the high temp warning come up so a couple times I've had to pull over and wait for it to cool off
I usually don't drive during traffic so it hasn't been a problem many times.....if I'm moving consistently, the temps stay normal in the 190-200 range
1) With a COLD engine, check your coolant level in the reservoir. It should be at LEAST to the Minimum level.
2) With a COLD engine, check for blockage of the radiator. Look under the car behind the front airdam. The radiator draws cooling air up from behind the airdam and it is quite common for it to collect garbage against the front of the A/C condensor, which then blocks airflow to the radiator. Leaves ... paper and plastic bags ... whatever. Also check the space between the A/C condensor and the radiator. One way to do this is to GENTLY spray water from the engine side of the radiator. You want to be careful not to bend the cooling fins in the radiator, so direct the spray as straight as you can through the cooling fins.
3) Check that your fans are working. Easiest way to do this is to run the engine untik the Coolant temp is at least 185 degrees. Once at that temperature, with the A/C system ON, you should see BOTH fans come on in LOW speed mode.
1) With a COLD engine, check your coolant level in the reservoir. It should be at LEAST to the Minimum level.
2) With a COLD engine, check for blockage of the radiator. Look under the car behind the front airdam. The radiator draws cooling air up from behind the airdam and it is quite common for it to collect garbage against the front of the A/C condensor, which then blocks airflow to the radiator. Leaves ... paper and plastic bags ... whatever. Also check the space between the A/C condensor and the radiator. One way to do this is to GENTLY spray water from the engine side of the radiator. You want to be careful not to bend the cooling fins in the radiator, so direct the spray as straight as you can through the cooling fins.
3) Check that your fans are working. Easiest way to do this is to run the engine untik the Coolant temp is at least 185 degrees. Once at that temperature, with the A/C system ON, you should see BOTH fans come on in LOW speed mode.
You were right. The coolant level was well below the "Full Cold" mark. I also had leaves, grass, etc. blocking the radiator. I took care of both and now the problem's resolved. Thanks again for the help.
I may have missed it, but have you done a check/cleaning of your radiator? Our cars pick up junk fast-- fast. A simple cleaning might improve air flow and solve your problems. This is what I found while making my initial check after buying an 89 a few years ago. Needless to say, a cleaning made a BIG difference.
I may have missed it, but have you done a check/cleaning of your radiator? Our cars pick up junk fast-- fast. A simple cleaning might improve air flow and solve your problems. This is what I found while making my initial check after buying an 89 a few years ago. Needless to say, a cleaning made a BIG difference.
OP probably long since sold his car and moved on. 15 year old thread!
Water/coolant temperature question...
so a couple times I've had to pull over and wait for it to cool off 
