just got a call from a relative in conn. whose heavily loaded (he's moving)'97 mazda* heat gauge is approaching "h" on hills, although running normal -- middle of gauge -- on highway. no coolent loss or fan-felt squeal. a.c. is not being used. air temp. about 80 degrees. anybody experienced this? cause for worry? thanks any imput. art
It's OK to ask here but you should know that most here have Miata's and what is OK for a Miata may not be OK for a Protege..
If my heat gauge approached "H" on the hills, I'd slow down a bit and see if that helped. Maybe downshifting would help also?
He might also try sending heavy stuff ahead via UPS to unload the car some.
I've moved with my Miata for goodness sake...unless he's moving about
1500 lbs plus in a load and driving hard, he shouldn't really be overheating at all in this weather (I'm in CT).My guess is that his thermostat is beginning to stick. If the car has time to warm up slowly (highway), the thermo will have time to work itself loose and allow coolant flow. If he's on a hill, the change in gravity (I assume you meant uphill!) may actually, depending on which direction it's built, be holding the thermo from opening enough. Also, sticky thermostats are really typical of cars that age.
If you're handy with a wrench and have 30 bucks to spare, rebuild/ replace the thermostat and flush the coolant system. It's probably about time anyways. Or you could be lazy like me and tap on the hot thermostat housing with a heavy wrench--this might knock some things loose.
-r0ll
jerry: you were right-on -- it was a balky thermostat, now replaced, and they're on their way into the deep and sunny south -- no place for a bad thermostat -- with the temp gauge where it belongs. love the easy ones, and many thanks...
hot dog!
glad i could help! :-D
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