Changed Radiator now Engine runs like Crap

[Chunk]

I had a overheating problem with my 89 240sx, I had replaced the water pump and t-stat and thought I fixed the problem well that was not it and it overheated again, I changed out teh tepm sensor and the radiator, Fixed the heat problem but the car runs like crap. I is hard to start and wont idle unless you hold the gas down and run it around 2k rpm any higher it sputters and dies any lower and she just shuts down, I have checked the oil for water and the water for oil and nothing on both I still think its the head gasket but someone suggested the intake gasket. I dont think I warpped the head the car ran fine until I changed the radiator oh I also removed the T-stat. The other one was good in a pot of water but I did not want to push my luck any further. Thanks for the help.

[p00t]

did you compression test?

if you had to take the T-Stat out to keep it from overheating, yes it is very likely to be the headgasket, unless you put in the new rad and took out the t-stat at the same time? .

did you try opening the rad cap and starting the car, have someone keep it running if nessisary, if there are alot of bubbles flowing up you are in trouble my friend and need a headgasket.

when they said intake gasket im pretty sure they ment for you to search for vacuum leaks. did you make sure all hoses are connected securely? if you took the intake manifold off, definately check that the gasket is good.

[U12 2NR]

did you check on the coolant temp sensor?

[NISTECH]

you say the problem didnt occur till you changed your rad. i would guess one of your vaccum lines under the intake tube that runs across the radiator is off or the tube itself is not connected properly at either end. it cold also be split in the accordian section near the throttle body.

[Chunk]

Ok Just a quick rundown of events, I bought the car running fine, I then drove it home and all was fine my daughter drove it to church and all was well when she was dropping off a friend at home she noticed the temp gauge was climbing and pulled over and called me, I went to pick her up and there was no coolant in the radiator. I let the carr cool down, replaced the t-stat and water pump. overheated again (ran fine on the test drive) I replaced the temp sensor and the radiator, removed the t-stat and started the car to test drive and now she dont run. I noticed some back pressure in the radiator cap but i put that down to no t-stat, when I get the car to run she does not seem to spit coolant but you can see flow through the rad. I have looked at the vac lines and dont see anything out of place, I was thinking that maybe the second over heating warrped the head just enough to cause the problem. I have not tested the compresion yet but plan on that today or tomorrow. best guess bad comp test bad gasket?

[Chunk]

Ok here is one, I have been told that its recommended that I change the head bolts and I have been told i does not matter, should I change them or is this just a ploy to get more money out of my pockets?

[89240sx]

No ... I've done heads and never changed the bolts... that sounds like a scam.. although I do send the head into a machine shop to get it worked on.

[NISTECH]

the reason the bolts are recommended is because they are stretch bolts. they lengthen when torqued to spec. I have also reused head bolts many times. but they can be weaker and break under extreame stress.

[Chunk]

Ok the head comes off this weekend, everybody pray its not warped.

[Chunk]

Ok I lied. I did not pull the head, I got the comprssion test done and I was confused, so I changed my mind. Confused you might ask....well the compression was,#1 150 psi#2 150 psi#3 140 psi#4 140 psi

I know these are not up to standard, however they should not stop the engine from running.

The delema, What do I check now?

[NISTECH]

it really sounds like you have metered air problem. either your main intake tube has a hole in it,your air flow meter is shot or as I had seen in another post it is installed back wards. unless you unbolted it from the air box this shouldnt be case.

[Chunk]

Found it it was the vacum lines, cleaned them with carb cleaner and fitted them right and she runs like a champ, Thanks Guys...and Gals if your out there.