And so the high coolant temp saga continues

[Juffa]

I decided that today would be a good day to drive to work and confirm that my issue with high coolant temps was fixed.

A bit of history first. Last summer I was having major coolant temp issues. At the time I had a huge intercooler blocking the radiator and the under engine tray had been removed. Since then I have re-installed under engine tray and fitted a smaller intercooler (thanks Fatty).

Well the drive home in 43c+ temps showed that while the coolant temps have been improved over the 112c temps of last year they are still high. I was seeing a coolant temp of up to 104c and air intake temps at the intake manifold of 62c. This is with the air conditioning running. I also have a grill fitted in the front bumper, which maybe causing some air restrictions. I removed the grill tonight and will probably drive to work tomorrow and see what happens. I will have to have a closer read of the autospeed articles I posted in another thread and see what they suggest for increasing air flow through the radiator. While the dash temp gauge did not move I would still like to reduce the coolant temp.

Anyone have any suggestions?

J

[SuperMazdaKart]

Redline's Water Wetter with distilled water (it can be added to any green coolant but is most effective with distilled water).

Cooling system reroute maybe.

[Steampunk]

Yeah try a coolant re-route of your choice. I can attest to the BEGi one as a good performer.
I had a grill on once whilst on the track and temps with it on is approx 10-12deg celcius higher than without it, so that is certainly a factor.

What do you reckon the condition of your thermostat is?

[wun911]

Did you solve the leaking radiator hose with T bolt clamps??
Flyin miata sells the larger fans (if air flow is seriously your problem).
How do you measure the temp and where just out of curiosity?

[SuperMazdaKart]

maybe try a combo radiator/intercooler like this guy.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?s=7648aaf2788d073b29c27e845d31b717&t=230938

only lost 3 cups of coolant due to the thickness & intercooler isn't in the way.

[93_Clubman]

I will have to have a closer read of the autospeed articles I posted in another thread and see what they suggest for increasing air flow through the radiator. While the dash temp gauge did not move I would still like to reduce the coolant temp.

Anyone have any suggestions? J

Assuming you've still got the factory plastic panels, or aftermarket variation, in place on top in front of the radiator either side of the bonnet release?

[hot rod]

Have you tried removing some of the rubber that sits at the back of the bonnet along the firewall, removing the middle section does help.

Also some guys who enter burnout comps swear by this stuff, could be worth a try?

http://www.vpw.com.au/productgroup.asp?CatID=10&SubCatID=1054&priorCatID=1054&PrdGrpID=4288

[bruce]

Regards grill - was it the wire/mesh ones everyone has? Does it cause that much of an increase in temp? I can't see it causing any change.

[ampz]

you have an alloy rad right?
did you put the fan shrouds back on?
If you were in stop/start traffic I would almost justify the 100c (with air on) but that is a little high...

How much boost are you on?
I have 10 on the ebc which spikes to 15 on cooler temps
but have never seen above 105c (no track use yeat just spirited driving)