Leaving the car at idle in the garage for 20 minutes

[jalexquijano]

While trying to sort out a problem with the horn switch i left my 72 240z  at idle in my garage. Results:

 

Temperature climbed more than 3/4, car tended to stall and Rpm dropped to 400 and rised back to 1000 rpm, Havent checked the spark plugs but i can believe they are black. Could the fan clutch need replacement? This should not happen! Imagine you were stuck on a traffic jam for more than 20 minutes?????

 

This is serious issue!

Edited November 23, 2015 by jalexquijano

[siteunseen]

That's not too bad for a 240 gauge. Mine's been there plenty.

Well looking back that's in the red isn't it. With the fan clutch cold in the morning you shouldn't be able to spin it more than one or two complete rotations by hand. Your coolant could be low also.

[psdenno]

I'd be a little concerned about the ZERO oil pressure reading, too. Didn't you install an electric fan when you added A/C?

Dennis

[ksechler]

Mechanical issues aside I would be reluctant to idle the car in the garage even with the door open.  Carbon monoxide....

[siteunseen]

Mechanical issues aside I would be reluctant to idle the car in the garage even with the door open.  Carbon monoxide....

I had a funny feeling after reading the title of this thread, I'm glad it was just a hot gauge and not that something had gone horribly wrong.

 

Not too long ago this young guy around here didn't want his Dad's pressure washer running in the rain so he brought it into the garage he wash washing down.  The garage door was open and still he died of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Hard to believe but true, and sad.

[jalexquijano]

I had a funny feeling after reading the title of this thread, I'm glad it was just a hot gauge and not that something had gone horribly wrong.

 

Not too long ago this young guy around here didn't want his Dad's pressure washer running in the rain so he brought it into the garage he wash washing down.  The garage door was open and still he died of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Hard to believe but true, and sad.

 

Im sorry to hear that. My garage does not have a door so i dont think i will die of carbón monoxide. Anyway im still trying to decide if i should purchase a fan clutch or not! Imagine you were in a traffic jam with the ac on?? I did installed an electric fan in front of the condenser.

Edited November 23, 2015 by jalexquijano

[psdenno]

Anyway im still trying to decide if i should purchase a fan clutch or not! Imagine you were in a traffic jam with the ac on?? I did installed an electric fan in front of the condenser.

I would check to see which way the electric fan blade is turning. Is it blowing cool outside air into the engine compartment and through the radiator or pulling hot air out? As for overheating, when I've had that problem in Los Angeles freeway traffic, turning the AC off and turning on the heater has brought the engine temp down. Although it makes it a little uncomfortable in the passenger compartment.

Dennis

Edited November 24, 2015 by psdenno

[siteunseen]

Have you tried to spin the fan while the oil in the fan clutch is not hot?  It should not make more than one or two complete rotations if it's good.  If it freely spins then you might need to replace.

[jalexquijano]

Have you tried to spin the fan while the oil in the fan clutch is not hot?  It should not make more than one or two complete rotations if it's good.  If it freely spins then you might need to replace.

it doesnt even make one full turn! real tight! it just moves 2 blades!

[siteunseen]

Then the clutch is good.

 

I think if you put a thermometer on the motor somewhere you'd see how the gauges read high.  When mine gets over to the right, it's less than 200 degrees with a thermometer.  180's about right sitting still.

[psdenno]

What's the temperature range on your thermostat and when was it last checked/changed?

Dennis

[jalexquijano]

Suppose i decide to purchase a high quality fan clutch for my car as a replacement which Brand is the best and long lasting? I read Nissan is not making them any longer!!! Looking for Japanese OEM replacement only!