300ZX (Z31) Forums Dedicated to 84-89 ZCars otherwize known as the Z31's

Overheating problem?

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Old Aug 19, 2003 | 06:10 PM
  #1  
CarRamrod's Avatar
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From: Marin County, CA
Overheating problem?

I have a 1984 300ZX turbo, and whenever I step on the gas, whether it's moving or in neutral, the temperature jumps close to 270F. Does anyone know what's wrong? Could the car be overheating? Anyone know what I can or should do?

And another thing-- I just got it, so I didn't do anything to it. Does anyone know if I can install a head unit (stereo/CD player), like if there's some kind of faceplate adapter I can buy or something? Please advise ASAP. Thanks.

-Conrad
Old Aug 19, 2003 | 08:21 PM
  #3  
Zcarninja's Avatar
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 76
From: Alvin, tx
new dist cap to stop overheating? thats a new one to me, lol.

start replacing parts. since you just bought the car, it could be anything. start with the cheap stuff first:

rad. cap, thermostat, fan clutch, and check yoiur timing. if none of that helps, have the whole system flushed and check your water pump. its only about thirty bucks, but its a big pain in the *** to replace. if that doesnt help, then replace your radiator. you can get one really cheap at www.carradiatordirect.com. 119 bucks for a 2 core, and i had it the next day.

hope that helps.
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 01:33 AM
  #4  
Copper727's Avatar
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From: Chicago, IL
hmmmm...when I had overheating problems in my Z a couple of months ago, it was an old radiator that was to blame. You could find one very inexpensive on eBay, but try to find out if that really is the problem first.

The radio was much more fun to install! Circuit City was going to charge me well over $200 just to install the radio and connect it directly to the speakers, and Best Buy said it couldn't be done at all because there were no compatible wire harnasses. So, similar to what Stormz said, I gained access to the factory amplifier under the passenger seat and disconnected the eight speaker wires (2 for each speaker) from the amp. Then I ran some new speaker wires from the new headunit to these wires and twist/solder/taped them together. It's been working perfectly ever since.

As for the faceplate area, you'll have to make your own (there was a person on eBay trying to sell a homemade one, but it was kinda crooked and expensive). I placed cut pieces of cardboard in the back for support and a leather-like report cover sheet on top to match the dashboard. Here's how it turned out:
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 03:03 AM
  #5  
Copper727's Avatar
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From: Chicago, IL
Opps! I just found out that AZ-ZBum already has a post on radio installation on the Performance page. Oh well, maybe you found SOMETHING useful out of all my ramblings.
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 03:05 AM
  #6  
Copper727's Avatar
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Did I say Performance page?!? I meant the Appearance Exterior, Interior page. <Sigh> It must be getting late! Sorry about that...
Old Aug 22, 2003 | 01:35 PM
  #8  
CarRamrod's Avatar
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From: Marin County, CA
Hey guys,

Thanks for helping me out. That was very useful information all of you gave me. I went to Nissan and bought a new radiator cap and thermostat, but just replaced the cap. The overheating problem is now semi- gone, but I'm still gonna replace all the little important parts. The thermostat I bought will definitely replace the old one, and I'm gonna change the belts and everything.

As for the stereo, I'm gonna make a trapezoid thing to fit in the old space and I'll replace the speakers and everything too. I'll post pictures here soon.
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