Overheating problem ocntinues...

[Extreme GS]

This really sucks. It seems under normal driving condition (city driving), the car seems to be fine. However, if I do a long pull under boost, the water temp gauge would rise real quick afterward. But, if I pull over, the fans kick on and the water temp will slowly decrease.

From reading discussions on DSMTalk.com, this seems to point to a bad headgasket or insufficient cooling from the stock radiator. I know it's not always the case, but I don't see any discoloration in the engine oil, nor is there any oil in the coolant. And, I have a 160 degree thermostat, new 16 lb. radiator cap, and Redline water wetter added.

What gets me is, if I do a boosted pull on the street, I noticed the engine does not overheat, but a boosted pull on the freeway causes the engine to overheat. I also noticed this usually occurs when I do a boosted after driving around town for 30-45 minutes.

Any clues? I need to do a compression test and a leak down test I guess. I'm just afraid it's the headgasket. :(

[MrBlunt]

well i notice my baby getting a little hot if i really stay into boost for some long long pulls...the other night it got to hot but me and brian were really going at it...i think my thermostat got stuck b/c it was at hot then all the sudden bam it was down to level again..if i boost it really really hard then it will rise a little but if i turn on the ac it levels out..didnt you get a slimline?? you also may want to look into fabricating a heat shield to keep the heat down under the hood...im thinking of cutting a little away right above the intercooler to help things flow a little better...it may be that big ass intercooler in front of the radiator you know...they tend to block airflow ;)..my fingers are crossed against the headgasket..that would suck for you buddy...me and jay could come by and help you out w/ it..hes done it twice now, me once w/ the engine in ..pain in the ace but its do-able

[Iwishiwascool]

The fact that its happening more at high speeds leads me to believe that its like chad said, the FMIC blocking the flow to the radiator.

[JayC]

I would go with front mount too. Brian was having overheating problems untill we cut some of his bumper away for better flow. If you want to do a compression test let me know. I could bring my tester to Chad's Sunday.

[Extreme GS]

Thanks guys. This overheating didn't occur until after I installed the bigger fmic. Today, I installed and routed some washer/dryer hoses from the side vents to behind to fmic. I haven't taken the car out yet to test its benefits, but theoretically, it should help cool a little better on the freeway.

Jay, please bring your compression tester to Chad's cookout. I still want to check my compression.

Anyone have a datalogger? I'd also like to check my engine timing.

[GSXLR8]

just a suggestion...check out the vfaq on tieing your fans together so that when one turns on, both do. I noticed a HUGE difference in this. Since I do not have my AC hooked up, when I hit the button, it simply acts as a "turn both fans on" button

Steve

[Extreme GS]

Yeah, I've thought about doing that, too. Heck, I'll probably do it this weekend. It can't hurt. :thumb