[eagledriver_pfn]

I have recently noticed my 80ZX having an overheat problem, first indications of this problem was the temperature started creeping to between half way and 270f during stop and go traffic. Lately I've notice a knock, (like low octane gas) noise when I get down on the accelerator, and just yesterday the temp shot up to 270f in stop and go traffic. It does go lower when air starts getting through it at speed. Looking for places to start trouble shooting myself before I spend big bucks taking it in!! Anyone got any easy fixes????

 

[Tony280zx]

I just went thru this exercise. Started with flush and refill, new cap and t-stat. Ended up fixing it with a new radiator. My symptoms were the same as yours, started slowly and ended up just overheating in b to b traffic. Just went with the original 3 row rad and the problem went away. Like they say start with the cheap items and work your way up. Hope yours gos away before you get to the rad replacement. LOL

 

[Dave280ZX]

If it just overheats in stop and go traffic, it's usually the thermostatic fan. If it's not working correctly, you don't get enough airflow when you aren't moving fast enough. Also check between the radiator and A/C coil to make sure it isn't clogged with leaves, etc.

Dave

 

[Madeline Michele]

What I did was change the whole cooling system.
Good chance to give it a rebirth.
When the system becomes rustish little rustlings can clog up something new you just replaced to find this problem. I would flush the system with the old parts still on and then replace it all.

Madeline
Hollywood, FL

 

[Caezar75]

sounds like you are getting poor flow, now from what

1. low fluid
2. Bad thermo
3 bad pump

1a. check/refill/flush fluid
1.1 Retains fluid
1.1a Water pump bad
1.1b Thermostat bad

1.2 Looses fluid
1.2a heat car up with full fluids, pop the hood look for leaks
1.2a1 no luck....start replacing cap, then hoses
then water pump, then radiator.

2a. Bad thermo...run the car w/o a thermostat see if that fixes it,
2.1 Yes, Replace w/ new thermo
2.2 No, Look at pump

3. uh....just replace it...best way to tell for 25 bucks


that should give you an idea

good luck Jon

feel free to email me....i am a cooling king, lol