Hi all, More newbie questions I have just read the entire cooling section of the tech guide. ...tech guide is amazing by the way, just awesome. I was wondering though, is overheating a problem on non-turbo models ? Anyone have any stories ? Otjher than the general maintenance (which of course I will do), is it worth putting in an extra large radiator, extra heat guage, auto-transmission cooling unit, etc as well ? Is it worth it, just to be safe, to have the car taken into somewhere like ZShop and have them replace all the radiator/cooling hoses, etc... even if they think they look fine ? Is that a good idea for a non-tiurbo or am I just going way overboard ? Appreciate any advice. thanks Steve
Over heating can be a problem on any car be it turbo or non turbo. Its just depends on how well looked after your cooling system is. A stock cooling system that is well looked after is more than adequete, my NA has a stock cooling system. I did the full 100,000km service which included a new water pump and thermostat. I also flushed the radiator and had it professionally cleaned while at Nissport. Other than that, just make sure you keep the coolant topped up. I usually check it every week. But thats just because I'm usually checking out things in the engine bay in my search for the cause of my poor fuel economy and I check the oil and water while I'm at it. As far as replacing every hose goes, I guess you could do that but I'm not sure its worth it unless your hoses are starting to crack from the inside (if you can hear a cracking, crinkling sort of noise when you squeeze the radiator pipes [do it with the car switched off], my top pipe is starting to do that now). And even if you did replace every hose, it doesnt mean that another part of the cooling system won't cause your car to overheat.
A separate tranny cooler will help with engine cooling and also longevity of tranny. Plenum pull & coolant hose bypass will help ensure no weeps or major failure, assuming rest of system is 100%
Overheating is a possible problem on ALL cars, turbo or non-turbo. I have overheated twice. First time, a hose blew on the radiator (can happen on any car) and the other time I forgot to tighten the radiator cap No major damage, but that is cos I was careful to monitor the engine temp gauge at all times. As long as you apply regular maintenance to your cooling system, NO car will overheat. The 300zx gets it's reputation for 'overheating' cos of a cramped engine bay and the fact that it runs hotter than most cars (and is designed to do so, although electrical connections start to deteriate due to it). Cheers Rob
90% agree with you LazyZed. Bad rep is mainly due to poor maintenance exacerbated by the tight engine bay, not higher operating temps, per se. My Zed has operated @ circa 92 degrees without problem since installing UDP 4 years ago. Recently fitted Pex's o/d water pump pulley and now operate @ 85 degrees.
TTZ made an article about UDP, and from what i remember came to the conclusion that the temp does not change that much...
and .. get yourself a Temperature Warning Device ..TWD .. an early warning device, will protect you from overheating and cooking the motor ..it does not however remove the desirability of the mods mentioned above ..:zlove: :zlove: :zlove:
I've got an NA and have overheated twice. One bolwn radiator (old and the plastic deteriated), one dodgy radiator cap (lost lots of coolant). I'd reckon the stock setup will be fine as long as it's clean, good condition hoses and decent coolant. I will be going a aftermarket thick one, I've already got silicone hoses and one of Caz's bottom radiator pipes.
Yes, but from memory no 2 Zeds were street tested side-by-side. There is a 6 to 7 degree increase in operating temp when running a UDP. Hence development of the Pex Overdrive Water Pump Pulley.
We have an 89 N/A and were concerned about the temperature being a little high as it is running over the 1/2 mark on the standard guage, which everyone says is notoriously inaccurate. Recently installed a set of trio guages, volts,oil press, and water temp. Surprised to find the water runs at around 65-70 deg c. Oil press at 80 psi cold and 60 psi warm, and forehead not so wrinkled! Just a quick question for the tech boys, ours has done approx 122k, how would you know if the 100k has been done previously, as i was looking at the water pump and it looks like it has been replaced (looks clean, new looking) Like is the cambelt from new, a nissan part or no branding on it , and if it is like a gates, then you would tend to think the 100k has been done? (wouldnt like to think the 100k has been done and it hasnt! ) :zlove:
65 - 70 is too low... not good for the engine long term.... maybe thermostat was removed? I'm sure the WP has been replaced over that many years & k's although k's may not be genuine. Gates or Mitsubishi T- belt &/or 100k service sticker is an indication, otherwise your guess as good as mine. Cya at St Bernards tomoz :zlove:
hi mate, i have an NA and i've overheated once, which was a blown heater hose. the problems you hear about overheating on zeds can happen to any car. without spending too much money, you can get peace of mind quite easily. i'd recommend the following: Take off plenum and bypass water hoses, that way you have better access to them and they'll all be replaced. also gives you a chance to do spark plugs, injector connectors etc. Replace heater hoses while plenum is off, its possible to do while the plenum is on but much easier with it off. Flush out your radiator, and consider changing your radiator hoses. all up, this shouldn't cost you too much money if you do it yourself, and do a bit of research beforehand to get good prices (COZ is an excellent source for parts). cheers Jay
imagine driving around under normal operating temperature for the lifespan of the car, do you think it would last as long?
Same rationale of how taxies can run for 500-750K before overhaul as they are constantly at normal operating temps and how cars that are used frequently for short trips (and therefore never really warm up) need rebuilds much more often than the taxi. . There are some stats on how much engine wear takes place when cold. I think it's circa 90%. Zed "normal" op temps are 80-90'ish. Thermostat is triggered fully open by 76degrees. You will significantly increase wear as engine takes much longer to warm up without thermostat. But it's your car so up to you. These are just opinions.
Thanks for the advice Jay. I'm going to follow your recommendations...although I think I might wuss out and pay a specialist 300ZX (like ZShop) to do it for me
