Hey guys, We had some overheating problems awhile back so we went and installed new Koyo Radiator, Oil Cooler, Transmission Cooler, Hard-pipes and a vented bonnet thinking that it would definately fix it but I took the zed out tonight for the first time and it overheated again! It seems like it is loosing water (although I can't see it anywhere) because when I stopped I went and put 1.5L into the overflow tank and it seemed like it took it all. Any ideas? Seriously Im stumped - could it be either a thermostat or head gasket?
Definatley sounds like the head gasket to me. How much water is it losing thru the overflow? Blowing any steam? Hope u get it sorted without stuffing ur motor. Regards Trev
Has this been happening since you had your waterpump replaced when it kacked itself at last drag night?
No matter what you do to cover it up , you can't fool a leaking head gasket. When cold is there a light brown buildup ( sludge) on the inside of the radiator cap?
ive got the brown sludge too Very slightly under radiator cap when cold. Also sometimes exhaust has white-ish smoke and a sweet smell which I thought might be coolant. Happened recently, which coincides with the car's recent thirst for fuel maybe the O2 sensor getting dirty or cold from the coolant?
Looks like thermostat Had the mechanic look at it on the weekend and reckons its the thermostat. Going to install it during the week and see how it goes. New parts would now cover: Radiator Transmission Cooler Oil Cooler Vented Bonnet Water pump (twice) Pexzed has recommended that we move the coolers so that it flows better and allows better cooling which I'll make sure we do at the next tech day. Here's hoping that we make it to the Dyno day on the 24th. Nate
before replacing with a new thermostat, just quickly duck into ur local radiator place and ask them for a hydrocarbon test. Through that it will tell you if your coolant has exhaust gas in it, common symptom of head gasket....only takes 5 mins. Just try and see. Might save you the coin in having to replace another part thinking it will fix it and good luck. Pete
Nate a bung thermostat will not cause loss of coolant, it is only used to regulate temperature. If the thermostat was the cause and the coolant temp getting so hot only 2 things would happen; 1. The pressure in the coolant system would rise to the point of discharging the coolant to the expansion tank and overflowing it but this would be unlikely if the radiotor cap is up to standard and the correct rating. 2. The lack of flow due to the thermostat not opening would have cooked the engine before loss of coolant anyway. My bet is head gasket if the is no evidence of leakage onto the ground.
