1989 240sx Why does my temperature needle keep going up?

[trueno86]

I have an 89 Nissan 240sx coupe that's in very good condition for it's age, but I'm afraid to drive it on extremely hot days in stop and go traffic because the temperature gauge needle starts to creep up to hot. I recently had the radiator, thermostat and fan replaced, along with a host of other incidentals, which was supposed to correct the problem. Despite all the repairs, that needle continues to go up ONLY in heavy stop-and-go traffic on hot, sunny days. What am I missing? What else could be causing this problem?

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard, trueno!

Have you bled the system with the bleeder screw?

Are you running too much coolant? I recommend 75% distilled water, 2 bottles of Redline Water Wetter and the 20% coolant.

New radiator cap?

When radiator was replaced, was the condenser cleaned?

[onosqv]

Your coolant system was probably not properly bled. Search for bleeding coolant, or flushing coolant, or something like that. Should outline the procedure nicely.

Please try not to post w/ all caps in your title... it's a little annoying/rude/etc.

*And like the pic, "5 lug look" hub caps... nice, hahahaha.

[trueno86]

Thanx for the advice/articles. I'll check all that ASAP. About those hubcaps - refuse to upgrade to rims until I get her in tip-top shape under the hood. (Oh, didn't know caps were a bad thing!)

[trueno86]

Yes, the radiator cap was replaced - don't know about the condenser being cleaned. I'll look into that. I'll also try that coolant/water combo. Thanx for the advice!

[onosqv]

caps aren't a bad thing at all. It just funny because it's a 5-lug style hub cap... and your car is a 4 lug car... that's all.

[BattleReady]

are you sure the fan is turning on? are you loosing coolant?

[trueno86]

Yes, the fan is definitely turning on and stays on. No, there is absolutely no coolant leak.

[trueno86]

(trueno patting herself on the back for going against the grain and starting a new style) LOL

[JLonevia]

Welcome aboard, trueno!

Are you running too much coolant? I recommend 75% distilled water, 2 bottles of Redline Water Wetter and the 20% coolant.

This good even in the winter?

[180fan]

I'd run more antifreeze for Jersey.

[onosqv]

This good even in the winter?

really depends on your location...

Like me & azhitman, we can run 100% distilled water + redline water wetter and be fine - it's summer 350 days a year for me .

But you, you may wanna play it a lil safer, hee hee.

[Alfador]

In the summer I run about 80% water, 15%Ethelyne Glycol (green Anti-freeze) and a bottle of Water Wetter.

No matter what temp you live in if its a streetcar you do not wan't to completely omit antifreeze. Even with the water wetter the radiator and associated components will be subject to rust without it.

In the winter I bump the Antifreeze to about 35-40% and I'm usually ok.

[JLonevia]

thanks really big help guys!