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Howdy, my 03 Z has been having progressively worsening overheating issues over the last year.
I first noticed it when it boiled over at an autocross event last summer. It was high 90s' that day and I was running her pretty hard so I figured that was the reason.
But lately she's been overheating regularly if it's hot out at all, including while in motion. On a trip to Colorado last month I was getting almost instant overheating issues whenever driving uphill (happens a lot out there...)and she ended up boiling over twice. Spoiling my dreams of twisty mountain road fun
I currently have her filled up with about 25% coolant, 75% water as it keeps boiling over and I just add distilled water to top off.
Good call, I was thinking it may have something to do with the duct that funnels air in under the car, maybe something got jammed up there. I'll get under it tonight and check it out.
Good call, I was thinking it may have something to do with the duct that funnels air in under the car, maybe something got jammed up there. I'll get under it tonight and check it out.
If you have an air compressor blow it out, it is a trap for a lot of grit you will not see.
You'll be surprised how much crap gets past the front radiator to the back one. I used a cardboard piece in between the radiators, so as to not blow stuff out of the rear radiator to the front. Then, I blow out the front.
Tapered brush can also dislodge the sand and grit. Just be sure to use an up and down motion.
...my 03 Z has been having progressively worsening overheating issues over the last year.
...
Originally Posted by Evil Oil Apologist
You'll be surprised how much crap gets past the front radiator to the back one. I used a cardboard piece in between the radiators, so as to not blow stuff out of the rear radiator to the front. Then, I blow out the front.
Tapered brush can also dislodge the sand and grit. Just be sure to use an up and down motion.
Indeed, since the problem has gotten progressively worse, this is great advice. In the event the problem still persists, you might want to consider a 160 or 180 thermostat. Ultimately, I recommend a DeWitts radiator. I have one and my temps barely go over 200 on the hottest Southern California day!
I had this problem also some time ago. I blew out the radiator and everything else. After all of that i replaced the water pump and problem solved. I live in the Phoenix area and have 0 problems with overheating and it is 102 - 117 degrees and I regularly park and idle for several minutes at a time with no problems.
Good luck!
I had this problem also some time ago. I blew out the radiator and everything else. After all of that i replaced the water pump and problem solved. I live in the Phoenix area and have 0 problems with overheating and it is 102 - 117 degrees and I regularly park and idle for several minutes at a time with no problems.
Good luck!
I'm having the same issue that I have been chasing for years. I have taken my radiator off and clean the bejesus outta everything, inside, hose, air compressor, and made no difference. I am leaning towards water pump, cause my temps seem to go up with RPM's. if I baby it and keep it in a higher gear I stay really cool (190ish), but if I keep the RPM's around 4k or higher while cruising, temps go to 230+.
agreed. Definitely the radiator clogged up with crap. Mine was so bad I just replaced it. Just take the time to take it out and clean it out and you should be fine.
I know you have changed fluids in the cooling system, but have you flushed the system with a flush solution? I went thru a bout of overheating last year and found the primary cause to be passenger side fan motor had seized. I would at least make sure they are coming on. If the fans are fine, then I would possibly do a flush and change the t-stat while you're at to colder stat. The stat won't necessarily cure your over heating issues, it will just open at lower water temp and may help your system stabilize at a lower temp. I believe the factory one opens close to 200. As already mentioned, I would clear out debris between the radiator and ac condenser. You may also consider the radiator reservoir cap as well. If the system is not staying pressurized, you will boil over.