TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Hey guys, so I have a 95 5spd w/ ps/ac/torsen/etc etc etc.about 130k miles.
Just picked it up a couple weeks ago, and has been well serviced w/ docs/receipts.

I'm noticing that the engine gets/stays REALLY hot after only about 10min of agressive driving. It's not my dd, and isnt even registered yet, and like i said I just got it. So for now I've only taken it out about 4 or 5 times, for 10min fun sessions...Not hitting the rev limiter, or anything crazy, just a lil abuse/fun..Anyway, after I pull it in to my garage I've been popping the hood to inspect and make sure all is ok, and she's hotttttt as hell!!!! I mean BURN your hands if u touch any part of the eng, NOT referring to just the exhaust mani...Takes a few (4++) hours for her to be cooled off but still slightly warm, and thats with the hood open, and ceiling fans(some help??) on. The gauge reads normal, no smoke, all fluids are at proper levels, feels fine in every other way....Am I missing something??

I did pretty much a full maint(except TB) on it...Eng oil/filter, air filter, plugs, plug wires, rad flush, tranny/diff oil, shifter turret, fuel filter, brake/clutch fluid, etc.. But thats it...

Thing is I drove her about 50miles on the highway to get her home and didn't think she was that hot...but VERRRRY possible I just didn't notice cuz I parked her and left for the day. Then i did the above maint., took her for a ride and noticed it...I noticed because I spilled some oil(damn filter) and I saw smoke, but luckily it was only the oil burning off the eng. NO SMOKE anymore, just a lil smelly, but going away after each lil drive...almost all gone actually.

Anyway, I may have not noticed it before I did all this, but of course I'm super paranoid that I screwed something up...any advise, suggestions, possible conclusions would be appreciated. I'll try out whatever you guys think and post results...

I know it may be a goosechase, but has me really concerned as I am adding a turbo soon, and have already purchased some parts...

Sorry so long, i always like to try and give the details instead of 1 liners...
Thanks!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

does it ever go past the normal operational temp? the fans running?

double check the the thermostat works.

jsisco

iTrader: (7)

It's probably ok if it is showing the right temp on the gauge. Should be in the middle or a little to the left or atleast that is were it is on mine. Just watch the gauge. If it was overheating alot you would see some steam from the cooling system overflowing assumming you have enough water in your system. I guess that would let you know if your gauge is inaccurate, but I would shut it down right away if you get to the steam point.

It is an engine it gets hot. I wouldn't worry about it to much just watch the gauge until your comfortable with it.

steelrat

If you flushed the rad, it's possible that some "stored" crap moved around.... Check the themostat, and while you are at it, make sure you "burp" the system to get all the air out.

You can jumper the fans to turn on through the diagnotics box in the engine bay.... I just don't remember the codes off the top of my head.

Dave,

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Sorry guys my internet was down last night & couldnt respond...

-Both fans work/run
-Temp gauge reads normal/just a hair to the right
-There's no steam, overflow, or anything
-I don't know how to check if the thermostat is working, but I have heard of them getting stuck
tho, just dont know how to check??
-Also didn't know about burping the system, nor how to do it...any info?

I don't know if this is bad or what...I used Prestone 50/50 premix...the stuff says NOT to mix with water or anything else....And I asked a couple people who verified..I also used an actual Prestone Radiator flush as well...Basically poured the flush solvent in, ran at idle for 10min, drained everything, refilled with the Prestone 50/50(exact directions on bottle).....Then ran it a lil, topped off radiator, then filled up overflow tank to just under the max/top line...it dropped slightly after a few drives to just under the Middle line....and hasnt dropped since...

Sorry for the rookie references, but describing as best as I can...
I really appreciate the help.

jsisco

iTrader: (7)

The Miata really "burps" itself because the filler neck is the high point in the system. You can check and make sure the coolant is all the way up to the cap in the radiator itself after a drive that brings the car up to temp.

The gauge is probably reading a hair right of the center because you used the 50/50 mix. I wouldn't worry about it, but if you are you could add some Redline Waterwetter to see if it brings it down a little. Coolant doesn't cool the engine. It just keeps water from corroding the engine and the water from freezing. So the more you have the less efficient the water is at carrying the heat away to the radiator. I usually have a 30/70 mix of coolant to water.

Really doesn't sound like you are having a problem though. Like I said engines are hot when they run. If the gauge gets wild to the right or you start getting white smoke/steam from under the hood then you have a problem.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Js, thanks for clarifying. Yes I've been checking (after cooldown of course) and the coolant is up to the bottom of the neck..basically just a TINY bit of extra room besides whats needed to get the cap on...

To clarify, you're thinking basically that I have too much coolant and not enough water? Should I drain a quart of the mix, and add a quart of water?? Also it's not just tap/garden hose water is it?? I heard I think it needs to be distilled water?? Not sure tho.

As far as the Redline WW, should i just get that and do my drain a lil, add a lil idea? Is there a certain size/mix/specific type I need..or just 1 and only option?

And yes its def no smoke/steam, and the gauge isnt 3/4 hot or anything..its about 2lines at the most from the middle...

The reason I worry is because I've owned a few cars, and never exp that amount of heat...add that to the fact that heat is FI worst enemy which I am in the process of doing...and hence my anxieties...

jsisco

iTrader: (7)

I almost forgot. Make sure you have the plastic tray that covers the underside of the engine on. It helps with cooling.

If you don't have one Moss sells them and so should your local dealership.
http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewP...18&SortOrder=1
Don't have the Mazda part number on hand.

You could take a little out of the system and add some distilled water if you want. The waterwetter should make a little difference too. Waterwetter only comes in one bottle but will tell you on the back how much to add. You don't add much waterwetter. If you are adding FI you will probably need a cooler thermostat anyway when you get to the boost.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Undertray is there 4 sure...thanks tho

I'm gonna try the distilled water first to see how it affects it, was the amount I suggested ok?? 1qt+/-?

Then I'll monitor and get some RLWW...

And if all that fails I might look into the thermo...

FYI--I'm in Miami,FL..so never really a risk of freezing...we get some cold days, but I mean like 30's lowest...And no i dont personally consider that cold, I'm from NY =0)...still not Minnesota, but it goes below 0*... Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there in case it makes a difference as to how much coolant v water...

jsisco

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like a plan.

I don't remember the capacity of the cooling system but one qt sounds like a start.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Yeah, I just didnt want to over do it...IIRC when I read thru some walkthrus on m.net, and Haynes the system handles about 6qts...

Hopefully I can give this a shot 2night and post results...
I THINK I can get a gallon of distilled water from the supermarket...If not then will prob have to wait for the weekend

I'll keep u guys posted, and js thanks a mil! Damn I love this forum...

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

just dont do something smart and pour cold water into a hot block or something throught the thermostat port....

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Not understanding this fully....r u kidding or serious?
I'm too much of a newby to tell the diff! lol

jsisco

iTrader: (7)

I had a buddy with a Honda CRX that was overheating back in the day. He would make quick jaunts to different friends' houses and soak the engine with the water hose until he got where he was going.

He finally got the money to get it fixed after it would just not go any further and he took it in. Mechanic told him the block was cracked and the head was too warped to deck it. I don't know if it was because it was always overheating or if it was from going from hot to cool all the time. He was pretty pissed but he should of known it was coming. Looking back it is pretty funny.

BTW he is joking... Think cold ice into hot drink... The ice starts crackin. Or better yet hot drink into frozen mug... the glass breaks.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

WOWOWOWWOW hell of a story js!!
....Brain, u cut me deep...lol..have ur fun with me, itI can take some hazing, just dont laught tooooo loud!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Sometimes people dump extra water straight into the block when refilling the system. you can do it if you take off the thermostat. If the block is hot and water it cold, you risk cracking the block, or warping the head.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Gotcha...nah I think I'll do it the easy way and stick to my plan...

messiahx

iTrader: (2)

Your engine sounds just fine. Yes, I know the gauge isn't accurate, but if it is staying around the middle at its hottest point, I'd say that is absolutely normal. My temp gauge has always leveled out just a little to the left of center. Only time I had an issue is when it was -15F or colder outside. The engine wouldn't warm up completely unless I drove for half an hour or so, with the heater set to recirculate.