Posted June 24, 200321 yr comment_41863 Been driving my car every day, no problems. This morning on the way to work the temp redjacked and stayed there, or just below.I'm pretty sure my coolant level is ok, but can't check for sure until it cools down. What else could be a possible culprit? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41865 Your water pump may have failed. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41865 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41869 I haven't ever had a pump fail that didn't leak first.Of course that doesn't rule that out.The thermostat could be stuck/hanging shut.Coolant could be worn out.Fan clutch not working correctly.Loose fan belt.My least favorite would be the sending unit went bad and your readings are false. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41869 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr Author comment_41871 Well I checked the coolant level in the radiator and couldn't see any . I would have thought that if my water pump went bad I'd have seen coolant everywhere, but there's none. If my thermostat got stuck shut (getting reay to check it) then is it possible some of the water evaporated, enough to put the level below the top of the radiator? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41871 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41874 Check the passenger floorboard for wetness.The heater hose or valve could be leaking.Your rad cap could be bad.The thermo could be acting up to where it isn't always shut,just not functioning properly.The coolant just didn't evaporate. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41874 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr Author comment_41875 ok i popped the thermostat housing top, removed the thermostat and a bunch of coolant came out like it was being blocked by the thermostat. so i'm guessing my thermostat was stuck shut. i took it out, cleaned up the gasket and replaced the top of the housing w/o reinstalling the thermostat, and topped of the coolant in the radiator. no leaks, coolant is running through the radiator (you can see flow), and the temp guage is at approx. 150^, didn't get any hotter even after running it around the block. so my thermostat was stuck - easy fix - sorry to waste everyone's time. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41875 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41878 Hey thats what this site is for!Next time you'll know a few more things to check!! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41878 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41886 Just a thought.You may wish to replace the radiator hoses while you have the car down replacing the thermostat.It has been my experence that once those old hoses balloon due to the pressure/heat they are on borrowed time.Use caution removing the hose from the rad.Don't try to twist it off with too much force or you'll snap off the rad. neck.If you get them off without cutting them put them under your spare tire and you'll always get home!! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41886 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr Author comment_41890 Sounds like good advice. Thanks Daniel. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41890 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41919 While you're in the mood to replace your thermostat, go get one from the dealer. Yes I know it's more expensive, but get one! The openings are larger on the OEM vs Stant brand. by almost 3/8"!I got one from the dealer the other day and compared it just for grins against my old Pepboys special....what difference! I haven't driven my car yet, so I can't tell of any differences, but I will be racing this weekend. I'll let you know what happens. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41919 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 24, 200321 yr comment_41922 Hate to look at the negative side, but hopefully you didn't run very long with the temp pegged. Any problems noticed from the overheating? I don't have any idea how resistant these z engines are to damage from over heating. Victor. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41922 Share on other sites More sharing options...
June 25, 200321 yr comment_41944 :classic: When you do get the new thermostat , before you install it check it in a double boiler and a candy thermometer to see when it opens . I know it's new , but just do it . I have bought new ones that were faulty . My 2cs :classic: Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/6767-sudden-overheating/#findComment-41944 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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