Tried the new radiator cap, still overflowing the resovoir. What next? Water pump? Do I possibly have a blockage? I started the car w/o the thermostat cap on thinking I could add coolant as it circulated (like I usually do in other cars only w/o the radiator cap)but it poured out, is that normal?
Welcome to the Forum. Check into joining CFOG-I also! Is this car new to you also? (45 Posts) Had it on a lift lately? Many shops are not aware the the Fieros cooling tubes run on the outside of the car next to the frame rails and will crush pipes if they lift the car wrong! Other things to check are a collapsed hose while ENGINE IS RUNNING! Clogged radiator.
How long does it take to overheat or boilover? Any idea on the temperature on boilover?
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09:43 AM
TennesseeGT Member
Posts: 65 From: Lake City, TN, USA Registered: Nov 2002
Hey Indiana, thanks for the welcome. I've owned this car since 11/1/02, so yes I am new to owning Fieros. I have driven it on a daily basis since I bought it and it has perfromed great. I have not had it on a lift in that time. It begins to get hot, according to the temp. gauge within 3 miles of highway driving, so bascially very soon after startup. When I pull over to let it cool, coolant is coming out of the overflow already. I feel like it is pumping it out just as soon as the car is started, it just takes a couple of minutes until the overflow tank is full and begins overflowing.
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09:57 AM
Monster Member
Posts: 281 From: Silver Spring, MD Registered: Jan 2003
Had a similar issue with my 87GT. Turned out it was the waterpump. Typical problem with Plastic impeller splitting & then spinning on shaft ( = no flow). Engine would overheat & then quickly blow coolant out of overflow. Have you checked for water flow? Is the radiator getting hot (checked when turned off and compare inlet & outlet sides). At it's worst, my rad wasn't even getting warm.
Best wishes! Hope you find the cause soon.
[This message has been edited by Monster (edited 06-11-2003).]
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12:22 PM
TennesseeGT Member
Posts: 65 From: Lake City, TN, USA Registered: Nov 2002
No, the radiator cap does not get warm at all. I have no heat either. (thank goodness it's not January). So, if the water pump pulley is spinning, doesn't necessarily mean the water pump is working. OK, I think I can handle this.
Thanks Monster.
So how bad is it? The Haynes manual gets it done in 6 or 7 easy steps.
[This message has been edited by TennesseeGT (edited 06-11-2003).]
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02:32 PM
Paul Prince Member
Posts: 2935 From: Kansas City, MO Registered: Dec 2002
Waterpump is not too bad. I worked on an 87GT, had the same symptoms you describe and the plastic impeller was shot. I got a waterpump from NAPA that has the steel impeller. I would also check the coolant pipes as mentioned before, also the drain plugs for the coolant pipes could be rusted in. If you can get them out, coat them with a teflon paste sealer before installing them. If you can't get them out, you can drill and re-tap them, 1/8" pipe thread, I think...Paul
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03:14 PM
CC Rider Member
Posts: 2037 From: Cameron Park, Ca Registered: May 2001
Just bought the water pump at lunch. Got a brand new one (not reman'd) with a steel impeller. Came with a gasket, and I also bought blue RTV sealant. Starting on it tonight, I'll post the outcome.
Thanks to all that have helped me throught this. With the wife in school full time, a 4-year old in daycare, and one on the way, there is no $$ for a shop to do this for me. Not that I'd normally send somehting like this out to be done, but I considered it in the beginning until you all gave me all the suggestions.
