s13 RB20 heating problem?

[Fire Theory]

ok, so i searched the posts and couldn't find a thread on RB20 heating.. or if i missed it can someone give me the link to it?

But anyways we swapped an RB20 into our 1990 240sx. and it ran like a champ. but recently we put a aftermaket mech. temp gauge in, and it worried me seeing the numbers. at idle sitting it will be 180. but under load just normal driving, it will be upwards or 215-220... we've replaced the thermostat with the 300zx TT one. both rated at 170. it has a Mishimoto radiator for the KA. which is big enough to cool the RB. 2 pusher fans one 10" the other 12". both pushing towards the motor... i've purged the cooling system 2 times. but still its running really hot...the water pump is good, its not leaking and it has no play...

does anyone have an idea?? bc im out of ideas and really struggling...

[speedeast]

Those numbers actually aren't terrible. You will need to use the KA temperature sensor as well.

[Fire Theory]

alright, yeah now that i did more research alot of RBs run 200-210s. im not as worried as i was anymore lol..

oh and BTW i looked at your build, it looks amazing so far, i wish i had the money and time to do a Complete restoration.
Respect!

ill be stayin tuned to watch the rest of it come alive!

[speedeast]

Thanks man! Where can I find pics of yours?

[Fire Theory]

i need to get some up here, im a new member. still learnin my way around

[SullivanRacing06]

it gets hotter while your driving it?

[Fire Theory]

i found the problem, the guy who put in the spark plugs never torqued them, so they loosed up and leaked, and since the top cover was still on it was trapping the heat, and making the motor work harder.

[SullivanRacing06]

you couldnt install spark plugs yourself?

this is a good example of why to not to let any one work on your car

[Fire Theory]

ok. so the whole story goes, im the current mechanic for my friends 240sx. i helped here and there put in the motor, but someone else did most the work. lately the owners been taking it back to ME, bc the person who put it in half assed everything. including not torquing spark plugs. and i've been fixing everything, including wiring, and things that Should have been done when the motor was out i.e. thermostate and all that.