Posted: 7/31/2007 3:58:08 PM EDT
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I've got a 94 Mazda MX6, and recently it has been pegging the temp gauge at hot. I'm thinking that the termostat is stuck closed. About three months ago I was on the interstate, and the belt that runs the water pump, A/C clutch, and power steering pump broke, and I had to drive about 5 miles at 55 without the water pump running. Does any one think this could have caused damage that results in it running hot? Thanks. |
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Yes, good advice so far. 1) First thing you need to do is check coolant level and condition and make sure the w/p belt is tight. Also check for any visual signs of a coolant leak and check the hoses. 2) If good then start the motor and turn on the A/C to see if the fans work. 3) If good, then turn off the A/C and let motor idle for a while and wait for cooling fan(s) to come on. If the coolant temp is getting too close to the danger zone and the fans didn't come on yet, shut it down..don't let it over heat. Go to step 6. 4) If the fans came on, but motor still gets too hot(3/4 or more on the gauge) then you probably have a bad T-stat or the start of a bad head gasket. Change T-Stat and try running it again. 5) Carefully inspect the radiator with a flashlight, especially near the crimped seams and along the bottom and inside the fan shrouds. Look for rotted sections, missing cooling fins, discoloration etc. 6) If fans didn't come on, but they worked with th A/C then you most likely have a bad cooling fan switch*(looks like a coolant temp sensor) *On some cars the cooling fan is controlled by the PCM and it would have to be checked another way. |