Zcar overheating help

[78 280zcar]

Having problems with my car overheating, I've put in a thermostat because there wasnt one there, Ive got a fan clutch from pick and pull that looked almost brand new because I tried to recondition the fan clutch with what was said on this site but It overheated to much and wouldnt start and when it did start it would just idle rough, the water pump is about a year old. Now the fan clutch that I just got, I checked for easy spin while it was cold but it was kinda hard to turn and then I checked it when it was warm and it turned easier than when it was cold and did not engage. How much should it turn when it is cold, and could this be the problem. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

[Bambikiller240]

Have you read the new Technical Article on Fan Clutch Reconditioning? It has more information than the threads posted earlier, including a description of how much the fan should turn when cold or hot.

SEE THE ARTICLE HERE!

[billcapp]

Does it run at "normal" temperature when you are driving it and become hot while at idle for more that a few minutes? If so, more than likely the fan is the culprit. If it always runs hot do a check with a thermometer from cold to hot checking against your guage. Of course make sure you have a "good" mix of antifreeze and water (see Carl's article on that) and make sure it's full. Good luck and do a search on this site for overheating..there's lots on this site about this problem as it's common to the early Z.

280 isn't as much of a problem as Datsun addressed some of the cooling problems by then.

[78 280zcar]

Yes I have seen those new threads on the fan clutch that is what I went by, but I used the motor oil and laquer thinner instead of the toyota silicone, but it did'nt matter anyways it all leaked out of the center of the fan clutch because the seal was shot. And yes billcap it does run cool or the gauge stays in the middle until I come to a stop. I found a new fan clutch for $42.99 at autozone so I am going to go with that. On the issue with my car running rough after turning it off do you guys think that I might have screwed something up in the engine, it doesnt have any coolant in the oil. There is a few little bubbles in the oil though is that anything bad or should I not worry about that

[ZmeFly]

Causes, tests and solutions. Has a LOT of good information.

Overheating Tech

[Gav240z]

Running rough after you shut it off would be engine run on caused by a number of things, running too hot would be most likely aswell as too rich.

[78 280zcar]

Thanks zmefly that helped me out alot I'm going to change my vacuum valve and my fan clutch and see what happens but as it is almost christmas I have no money left so I guess I will have to drive the nova for a little while. Thanks Guys and merry Christmas