Check My Logic: Coolant Temp Issue

[rico05]

Argh. I still can't beleive that my stock temp gauge is off, as it seems to work for a week, then not. Here is the newest issue:

Gauge works great again, then I drain a little coolant out so I can install my e-fan thermostat sensor, fill er up and go. Now, my aftermarket gauge (with sensor in upper rad hose) shows that temps will sit at about 155 or so, then instantly spike to 180. Now that is just the thermostat opening. After driving, sometime 2 minutes, sometimes 20, the stock gauge suddenly spikes to WAY over H, but the aftermarket one in the hose never breaks 185. I fiddle with the efan thermo, and if I try to set the on temp even just 5 degrees above 180, and the fan shuts off. There is no air bubbles in the radiator, and no leaks at all. I'm once again betting that my stock gauge is just goofy, but why does it act the way it does? Argh.

[240sxbobbis]

your old temp gauge is probably going bad ..

[rico05]

See, I get goofy readings off of it all the time. Hell, even when it is "working" it shows 3/4 to H, and my efan thermo and good working full sweep Autometer both show 180-185, even after full boost highway runs in the heat with no water spray. I just need to unplug the stock gauge, LOL.

[boost_boy]

Argh. I still can't beleive that my stock temp gauge is off, as it seems to work for a week, then not. Here is the newest issue:

Gauge works great again, then I drain a little coolant out so I can install my e-fan thermostat sensor, fill er up and go. Now, my aftermarket gauge (with sensor in upper rad hose) shows that temps will sit at about 155 or so, then instantly spike to 180. Now that is just the thermostat opening. After driving, sometime 2 minutes, sometimes 20, the stock gauge suddenly spikes to WAY over H, but the aftermarket one in the hose never breaks 185. I fiddle with the efan thermo, and if I try to set the on temp even just 5 degrees above 180, and the fan shuts off. There is no air bubbles in the radiator, and no leaks at all. I'm once again betting that my stock gauge is just goofy, but why does it act the way it does? Argh.

Change the stock nissan sender. They are crappy and when they go, they do all kinds of fancy stuff like have your stock temperature gauge all over the place.

Dee

[rico05]

Any ideas where to get a new one? I am tired of buying used parts.

Damn, Google is AMAZINGhttp://www.prostreetonline.com...ender
Modified by rico05 at 9:10 PM 7/26/2006

[driftin8ez]

Also check your wiring and make sure none of you wires are grounding out. The gauge on my Rx-7 would act the same way. And there was a freyed wire that would touch the fram. When it did bam pegged the needle way past the H.

[Trigger]

you can get a new sensor at any autoparts..they run 13 bucks or so

[rico05]

Hmmm. When I last tried NAPA all they could get me was the sensor for the ECU. I will try O'Reilly tomorrow.

EDIT: Well, I figured it out. When I went in, I was asking for coolant temp sensor, which is (as we all know) what the engine uses for its switch over to the hot map. Well, the one that you need for the gauge is the ENGINE temperature sensor:

http://www.napaonline.com/mast...ensor

Semantics are a biatch.
Modified by rico05 at 11:19 PM 7/26/2006

[rico05]

Also check your wiring and make sure none of you wires are grounding out. The gauge on my Rx-7 would act the same way. And there was a freyed wire that would touch the fram. When it did bam pegged the needle way past the H.

That is one thing that I love more about my S13 than my old FC: marginally better wiring. But the FC had some of the worst wiring ever, so that ain't sayin much

[driftin8ez]

That is one thing that I love more about my S13 than my old FC: marginally better wiring. But the FC had some of the worst wiring ever, so that ain't sayin much

It seems like whenever you mention an RX-7 to someone they say they or someone they know HAD one. You rarely hear someone say i have an RX-7. I wonder why? Oh and to say my s13 has marginally better wiring than my FC is basically the under statement of the year. lmao

[rico05]

Well, in my case, I tried to do too much too soon. I killed mine by porting the TB and removing the secondary TB butterflies. I threaded the holes that were left, but instead of using a metal plug, I took some e-advice and used JB Weld. Buttoned her back up, and w/in a week, one of the JB Weld boogers popped out and was sucked in, killing 2 apex seals on #1. Sucked, b/c I had JUST installed a full RB race exhaust and some other goodies. I miss her everyday, and I WILL own another FC one day.

FC>FD any day.

[float_6969]

I don't know if you have Advance Auto there, but if you do, that's where I got mine from. Replace that sensor and it should fix it. If it doesn't, then I'd suspect the actual gauge in the cluster.

[knightrider]

also check the wiring near the sensor, the plug becomes corroded and will give you problems. i ussually replace the connector first, then the sensor.

[Kouks]

on the engine temperature sensor, did you get it from the ka?

9.99 from napa is a good price online. Dealership is saying 20 bucks, but my dad gets a discount so....I dunno.

[rico05]

No, for a Pulsar. They even had it in stock. I am just waiting for the motor to cool so I can swap it out.

[Kouks]

Pulsar nx SE and ka should have same part number correct? I thought they both worked....

[rico05]

No clue man. I searched for the Pulsar one to be safe. And it fits. And seems to work.

[Kouks]

Alright cool, 8 dollars and some change, in stock! Woo HOO! Now as soon as I get my Water Pump Pulley from Liquid, my cars done!

[egan]

FC>FD any day.

you rule

and to keep on topic, that looks just like the sohc KA one i installed the other day. id be damn suprised if it wasnt.

[rico05]

Since my stock KA cluster recognizes it, I bet they are all the same.

Indeed FC>FD. I <3 old school. There will ALWAYS be a special place in my heart for the FC. It was MY first car (had a Saturn that I used, and an S10 that was bought for me) and I loved it. '91 N/A ('91 had no trim levels) Power everything, no sunroof, no leather, no rear seat option. I loved the looks I would get with the full Racing Beat exhaust (race header, cat delete, dual catback) when I would go WOT. Pissed of lawnmower on crack.

[driftin8ez]

Pissed of lawnmower on crack.

Lol Ya mine was an 91 N/A full option with leather than i swapped in a good old 13bt. Those cars are fun to drive but it cannot and i stress cannot be your only way to get around. Have an pics of yours?

Here is the video i posted with my for sale ad.http://videos.streetfire.net/s...c.htm

[rico05]

Ummmm White...my fav color! Clean as hell too! And was that pre mix in the storage bin? Haha. I don't miss that, LOL. She sounds ported too. AND you had a hatch tray! All round a perfect car!! Why in the HELL would you give that up for a S13?

That rotary noise sure brought back found memories...or stinking of fuel and always working on my car

[driftin8ez]

Ummmm White...my fav color! Clean as hell too! And was that pre mix in the storage bin? Haha. I don't miss that, LOL. She sounds ported too. AND you had a hatch tray! All round a perfect car!! Why in the HELL would you give that up for a S13?

That rotary noise sure brought back found memories...or stinking of fuel and always working on my car

Good ear on the port job. I had my good friends uncle from puerto rico do the port job. Don't even ask what he did becouse i couldn't tell you. also good eye. That was premix in the bin. LOL. and the reason for getting rid of it was I accidentally over modded my daily driver. It was a blast to drive except in traffic becouse the OS Giken 7lb. Flywheel and Clutch setup i bought was a pita. Dont worry my S13 has proven itself to be just as fun and far less thirsty.
Modified by driftin8nez at 9:37 AM 7/29/2006

[driftin8ez]

oh and did i mention the wiring in those cars suck and they are only getting older and more crispy. That is the only reason i cant see myself ever buying anouther. FC is definatly Greater than the FD!

[float_6969]

Hey, since we've screwed this thread all out of whack anyway, lemme ask you a question driftin8nez; How do you like your JIC coilovers? What is the streetability like on them?

[Kouks]

Since my stock KA cluster recognizes it, I bet they are all the same.

Indeed FC>FD. I <3 old school. There will ALWAYS be a special place in my heart for the FC. It was MY first car (had a Saturn that I used, and an S10 that was bought for me) and I loved it. '91 N/A ('91 had no trim levels) Power everything, no sunroof, no leather, no rear seat option. I loved the looks I would get with the full Racing Beat exhaust (race header, cat delete, dual catback) when I would go WOT. Pissed of lawnmower on crack.

Rico, my friend had the exact same set up, White 89-91 N/a FC, except he took off the Racing Beat mufflers and put on carbon fiber wrapped arospeeds. Had ACT clutch and short shifter. car screamed top end. No off the line punch, my sohc 240 (MY first car) WITH bolt ons, would hold him off till third gear. Then he owned me past like 85. sounded like only a rotary could. Had black mesh wheels with polished lip! MMM, it was a beaut.

[driftin8ez]

Hey, since we've screwed this thread all out of whack anyway, lemme ask you a question driftin8nez; How do you like your JIC coilovers? What is the streetability like on them?

They are not too bad on the streets. Very stiff with no body roll and i didn't even do sway bars yet.

[rico05]

What is it with puerto ricans and rotaries? lol

[c-rad]

What is it with puerto ricans and rotaries? lol

LOL, the Puerto Rican corvette.

[Kouks]

LOL, the Puerto Rican corvette.

OMG, I cant believe you said that c-rad. Hahaha, I see alot of rx's here driven by guys with PR flags hangin off the mirror.

Although IMO, and I guess I just dont have taste"FD>FC.

handling wise, they dont compare, Ive driven both, PLus the Fd is a sleek beautiful design that deserves a better motor. HAHA, Someone's gonna argue that point, I know it. Rx Turboes simply do not last that long, Id rather have an FD with a turbo 4/6.

An FD puts too shame many a performance car with its handling prowess. Mazda is genius....well sometimes.