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

Radiator or fan clutch?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 23, 2011 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
Monkies's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
From: Charleston, SC
Radiator or fan clutch?

So I'm having hard time deciding what needs to be replaced. The car has never overheated (coolant boiling) since I have done my head gasket, however, When the temp outside is 90 or above it will start to think about overheating. The engine temp also likes to go up when I'm cruising over 60 and the outside temp is above 84. I have not done extensive testing to see if it will actually overheat as my driving times are relatively short. The hottest I have seen it get is two bars above normal (digital dash about 5/8 of the way up). Is there any way to test the fan clutch or even the radiator? It's an 86 2+2 5 speed.

Any help or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks
Old Sep 23, 2011 | 01:14 PM
  #2  
tonsoffun300zx's Avatar
West Coast!
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,956
From: Corona,CA
well if the clutch fan you might want to check the mater pump the fan can destroy the pump. and also as far as the radiator just go to a shop and have them flush it, or go to autozone and get the radiator flush kit and the chemicals that go with it.
Old Sep 23, 2011 | 02:54 PM
  #3  
AZ-ZBum's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,396
From: Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.az-zbum.com/repair.overheat.shtml
Old Oct 11, 2011 | 05:54 AM
  #4  
Son of Lars's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 20
You can test a fan clutch with a rolled up newspaper. Get the engine to operating temp, where the clutch should be engaged. Lightly stick a rolled up newspaper against the fan blades. It should shred a bit of the paper. If the paper just stops the fan, you need a clutch.

If your engine temp is rising while you drive, you most likely have a clogged radiator. The fan clutch won't have any effect on engine cooling while rolling at 60mph.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LikeZcars
280ZX Performance / Technical
6
Feb 24, 2013 06:41 PM
decalservice
240Z, 260Z, 280Z (S30) Forums
5
Aug 26, 2012 12:16 AM
JSimpson
FS: 300ZX (90-96)
0
Jul 25, 2011 10:59 PM
FubarI33t
Wanted (WTB / WTT)
1
Oct 22, 2006 04:13 PM
jtmny1999
280ZX Performance / Technical
0
Jan 18, 2004 09:04 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:11 PM.