miata radiator

[oldmuscle69]

I took the A/C system off of the car,now only have one cooling fan. I was cleaning on the engine and let it idle for a while after. I decided to put the car back into the garage and ran it to the rev limiter a few times. seems this caused the radiator to blow out at the top seam (165k miles) Should I have left the second cooling fan on or is it just an old radiator? This has sort of bumbed me out since I don't really know the source of the failure yet. Was wanting to run the car this weekend just to see where it needs to be classed (even though I regerstered the honda) It was banging off the limiter like it had some power. Now bumbed.

[John Brown]

one is more than enuff... did you plug it back up?? was it running when it popped?

you may have a blown head gasket and it actually built up compression pressure in the colling system.

[whenry]

the radiator in an old miata will eventually pop along the plastic header. No reason to push that unless you enjoy meeting AAA tow truck drivers along Pellissippi Parkway. Replacement is cheap and easy. Done in about an hour unless you have a problem transferring some of the attachment hardware from the old to the new radiator.

[oldmuscle69]

you could be right. I have to check further.

one is more than enuff... did you plug it back up?? was it running when it popped?

you may have a blown head gasket and it actually built up compression pressure in the colling system.

[oldmuscle69]

Thanks Wayne.

the radiator in an old miata will eventually pop along the plastic header. No reason to push that unless you enjoy meeting AAA tow truck drivers along Pellissippi Parkway. Replacement is cheap and easy. Done in about an hour unless you have a problem transferring some of the attachment hardware from the old to the new radiator.

[flier129]

If you have a MS *cough* JB *cough*, it'll have a pre-set to turn both fans on at 180*. You can adjust it to whatever you want, though.

I think the stock ECU will turn both fans on at a certain temp, I've seen both fans in my car kick on before(non A/C).

Miatas don't like to bang off the limiters

[oldmuscle69]

Crap, I was letting it dry out and then hit the throttle. Are you saying I should have left both fans installed? The rad is now out of the car and also so is the Mass air flow gizmo.. I took it apart like you said but what do I do with the flap and spring as well as the sweeper arm on the board? Thanks

If you have a MS *cough* JB *cough*, it'll have a pre-set to turn both fans on at 180*. You can adjust it to whatever you want, though.

I think the stock ECU will turn both fans on at a certain temp, I've seen both fans in my car kick on before(non A/C).

Miatas don't like to bang off the limiters

[flier129]

Crap, I was letting it dry out and then hit the throttle. Are you saying I should have left both fans installed? The rad is now out of the car and also so is the Mass air flow gizmo.. I took it apart like you said but what do I do with the flap and spring as well as the sweeper arm on the board? Thanks

I've seen both my fans come on before and I don't have a/c, so yes I'd keep them both on.

The car needs the MAF sensor to run correctly. I don't remember telling you to take it apart though. Put it back together the way that it was, lol. You also need the MAF to be STS legal, can't run an IAT sensor, has to be stock MAF.

MAF = mass airflow

[John Brown]

mmm-huh.

sounds like we need to be checkin that red Mazda in STS......

btw,two fans are extra weight. If your running them both,you got some other issues.

[whenry]

It is also incredibly easy to tweak the temp sensor that sits on top of the thermostat housing so that it looks whole and functioning but actually is broken and no longer sending a signal to the fan(its only purpose). Dont ask how I know this tidbit but in the race car, we always took a piece of hose and wrapped the sensor so it couldnt be so easily broken. $60 or so a pop as I recall.

[oldmuscle69]

Got a new rad. Now working on what suspension set up to buy. Tube bar,brackets and braces,SS brake lines and front pads on the way. Still need some more parts. Used is always cool if not over used. I dont think my car will run the fastest but think it will be fun..

[John Brown]

Tube bar? SS lines??? man..you tryin to spend money for nothing???

Racing Beat bar.. no braces or none of that extra weight $hit... Put the right springs and dampers on it..a good motor and go kick ass. All those antsy pantsy extras are just slowing you down with extra weight.

Eric Anderson has a damm good set of shocks for sale... and if you dont buy them,you can buy mine and Ill buy his.

[thrdeye]

Yeah I think you are supposed to take the brakes off of a miata....they shouldnt need them

[flier129]

Yeah Eric is selling the same stuff that shipped out for me a day before he put his up for sale, lol.

[oldmuscle69]

Well shit for me trying to learn these things. What does eric have for sale and how much?? How do I find out more about what is for sale??

Tube bar? SS lines??? man..you tryin to spend money for nothing???

Racing Beat bar.. no braces or none of that extra weight $hit... Put the right springs and dampers on it..a good motor and go kick ass. All those antsy pantsy extras are just slowing you down with extra weight.

Eric Anderson has a damm good set of shocks for sale... and if you dont buy them,you can buy mine and Ill buy his.