Need help....Overheating Z!!!!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Clarks Summit Pennsylvania
Need help....Overheating Z!!!!!
Just recently purchased a 2002 Z about 2 months ago and all of the sudden the high coolant temp error is showing up on the screen. I checked the guage and it was at 260+. It was definitely hot when I opened the hood and released the pressure. I was wondering if anyone knew why this could be happening. I am hoping it is just a thermostat sticking or something small like that. There is plenty of coolant in the car. I could really use some help diagnosing. Thanks in advance!!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,458
Likes: 1,165
From: Dyer, IN
Just recently purchased a 2002 Z about 2 months ago and all of the sudden the high coolant temp error is showing up on the screen. I checked the guage and it was at 260+. It was definitely hot when I opened the hood and released the pressure. I was wondering if anyone knew why this could be happening. I am hoping it is just a thermostat sticking or something small like that. There is plenty of coolant in the car. I could really use some help diagnosing. Thanks in advance!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
Could be a thermostat. You can warm her up again to 200 or so and check top and bottom hose. If the top hose is hot and the bottom is cool, you t-stat is stuck closed. Could also be an air pocket(this is usually more rare). Make sure your fans are running too.
Another possibility is that your Dexcool has turned to 'clay' and has clogged the radiator. There have been cases of this happening. How does the coolant look?
Another possibility is that your Dexcool has turned to 'clay' and has clogged the radiator. There have been cases of this happening. How does the coolant look?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,184
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
Before anything else, check up under the front of the car. Look at the a/c condensor fins and the radiator fins. You'll probably find lots of grass, leaves, paper, etc that has been sucked up in there. Use a hose to back wash from the engine side. If it was running normal temps and then suddenly one day became hot, you may have sucked a plastic bag up in there. The thermostat is a possibility too, but check the radiator. Also make sure your fans are coming on when the temp starts up over 220 or so.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
Before anything else, check up under the front of the car. Look at the a/c condensor fins and the radiator fins. You'll probably find lots of grass, leaves, paper, etc that has been sucked up in there. Use a hose to back wash from the engine side. If it was running normal temps and then suddenly one day became hot, you may have sucked a plastic bag up in there. The thermostat is a possibility too, but check the radiator. Also make sure your fans are coming on when the temp starts up over 220 or so.
Very common problem especially if your car has been lowered.. You wouldn't believe all the crap that gets sucked into the fins
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,458
Likes: 1,165
From: Dyer, IN
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Clarks Summit Pennsylvania
Well I swapped out the thermostat and that wasn't the problem. I also checked the ac condenser and rad fins. Not the problem either. I am wondering if my water pump went bad. is there any way to tell if the pump has gone bad or not? This is frustrating me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 36
From: Middle Of Kali CA
Usually,
Noisy, leaks at the shaft seal, Locks up and throws a belt...
You said this was an all of a sudden problem. Meaning not under big power loads? never goes away?
Water pumps loose pump volume from cavatation wear as well as hard water particle wear over time, but you should see it over time.
