Wrapper

On Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:40:25 -0600, Ray O wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Hachiroku ????" <Trueno@AE86.gts> wrote in message
> news:Po1fh.528$it5.123@trndny06...[color=green]
>> On my Mazda:
>>
>> I flushed and filled the cooling system. I ran the car for a LONG time
>> with the cap loose, then tightened the cap and ran it some more. I took it
>> for a drive yesterday, and, figuring the temp was rising and the fan was
>> kicking on while idling, everything was OK.
>>
>> When the car is in motion, the temp guage barely moves above Cold. If I
>> let it sit and idle, it builds up heat, but drops again as soon as the car
>> starts moving.
>>
>> I got a new thermostat, and installed it using the old thermostat, the
>> instructions on the box and my Haynes for instructions. Refilled, let the
>> car get good and HOT, sealed the system and went for a drive. Barely above
>> Cold again!
>>
>> I used Peak anti-freeze, a new gasket, Hi Temp gasket compound, etc, etc.
>>
>> I believe the system is bled out...ran the car until warm, ran it up to
>> about 2500 RiPpeMs for about 5 minutes, idle again till the fan cam on,
>> 2500 RPMs again, then sealed the system and ran it until the fan came on.
>>
>> Other than sticking a piece of plastic or cardboard in front of the
>> radiator, any other ideas?
>>
>> BTW, the last time I ran the car, I left it idling for 5 minutes after a
>> 10 minute drive, and anti-freeze was dripping out of the overflow
>> bottle...
>>[/color]
>
> What is the opening temperature on the replacement thermostat? In most
> cars, the thermostat spring should be oriented down.
>
> I forget whether your car has a transverse-mounted engine, but if it does,
> check to make sure the electric cooling fan is not stuck on. If it has a
> longitudinally mounted engine, make sure the fan clutch is disengaging.
> Coolant mix should be 50-50 - straight coolant causes problems like freezing
> and overheating.[/color]


Wow...the one I took out didn't have a 'jiggle valve' in it (lunched
through the cooling system?) but the holes where it would go were at the
top. I put the new one in the same way.

I also replaced the cap today. I know on some Caravans/Voyagers, if the
cap is shot the same thing happens. No go...

I had a two-hour wait for tires today ($29 each...woo hoo!) and I let the
car run for about 40 minutes. I think perhaps the mistake I was making was
opening the radiator cap to top it off. I started using the overflow
bottle and it seems to be getting better, but, I noticed a big puddle of
coolant under the car, that wasn't seeming to come from the overflow
bottle. I believe a new (reman'd) water pump might be in order, too.

<sigh> I chickened out! I'm having the belt and the pump replaced Friday
by a local garage, and the struts done all the way around by another.
AutoZone has a tool loaner program, but I didn't like the looks of the
spring compressor they were loaning out...