My car's engine is overheating?

Question

Hey guys! I just need a third opinion (other than mine and the mechanic's that I will be calling tomorrow). So about a month ago, my '95 Mazda MX5/Miata was eating oil like a mad man and eventually died. So I got a used 40k engine from this shop that does rebuilds, replacements, ect. At first it was all good. Suddenly the engine seemed to go about half way towards the H on the temp gauge. 

I was in 5th (the car is manual tran btw) gear on the highway. So I put the clutch in and put her in to neutral and just let the car roll for about 10-15 seconds. Shifted back in to 5th and drove it anyways. About 10 seconds or so the temp gauge went back to neutral. My first thoughts were that the sensors are screwed up. Took it to the mechanic and he said that my radiator was on it's last leg. I waited about 4 days (didn't drive it) and then got a new radiator and had the temperature and radiator sensors replaced. The problem dis-appeared for a few days, all of sudden BAM! It happened again tonight. Does anyone know what could be causing this problem? I had a new clutch installed the day of the emgine transplant, but I kind of doubt that would be the issue. 

I find it very strange that the temp gauge just goes back to normal. Before the new radiator, this problem occurred only once per drive. Same story tonight. Once that temp gauge goes to neutral, it usually stays there or goes slightly towards the C. Not too mention that I can red line my car in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and run in 4rth at about 5-7 RPMS after this had occurred and the temperature never increases past the neutral point. I obviously can't red-line fifth unless I feel like getting pulled over, so that's a unknown factor. I have hit 100mph in fifth though before (was on a track). 

Sorry for the long story. Help! Not trying to be an ***, but please make your answer detailed and know what you're talking about. Thanks!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

It sounds like the thermostat, which is different than the temp sensor.  It blocks water from flowing to the engine block when you first start the car until it melts from the heat and it pops open.  After it pops open, the water rushes through and BAM your engine is cooled.  If the thermostat is sticky or worn out, it can take longer for it to open.  This translates to the engine temperature rising higher than normal until it finally opens and is cooled.

Thermostats are about $10 bucks and easy to replace.

? · Answer

it really is tremendous mialage for a 13 year previous motor vehicle. There might want to be many motives on your motor vehicle to overheat. First verify your coolant aspect. even if that is operating warm once you're going sluggish or in stop and flow site visitors then that is one among the fan. next time the temperature starts to get above the conventional have the hood open and look at your fan. even if it isn't operating then thats the problem. The fan works off a temerature sensor and a relay if its electric powered. If the fan doesnt come on at the same time as its suppossed to then you ought to locate out if its the fan motor, the relay, or the temperature sensor. Its no longer going to run until eventually the motor vehicle reaches a particular temperature so watch your temperature gauge and at the same time as it receives properly above universal then look at your fan. it would want to also be your thermostat, which shall we the water out of your motor and into the radiator at the same time as it receives one hundred ninety or so tiers. There are different issues that could make it run warm, yet in holding with what you reported those 2 issues are possibly the finest position to commence. make powerful no longer to run your motor warm any more advantageous. that is amazingly undesirable for the motor to run it warm. it would want to severly harm your motor. different issues which will be inflicting your motor to run warm is a foul water pump, a foul radiator, an inner or exterior leak, a foul radiator cap, and blown head gasket.

Old Man Dirt · Answer

Check the fan relay. I have had to replace these in the past and it will prevent the fan from coming on if they fail and result in the engine over heating.

Anonymous · Answer

simple ,change your thermostat,yes even if it was changed they make them all over you know where and that sounds like your problem even new they can still be defective,seen it all my life,neutral is what in your lingo,half way.there is no neutral,if it is taking a few days before it gets hot again,check for leaks,after you stop,or check the passenger floorboard for wetness,sorry about neutral never ever heard that

Evil C · Answer

Try bleeding the system out and stop abusing your car.

James · Answer

I would just buy a new engine.

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My car's engine is overheating?

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