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1987 328 overheating????

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by mrockcastle, Jun 20, 2004.

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  1. mrockcastle

    mrockcastle Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
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    #1 mrockcastle, Jun 20, 2004
    I have a 328 and have a few questions about the water temp.....after the first few minutes the temp rises and get to about 250 (max an gauge)degress before the the fans kick on......then they shut off pretty quick and the cars jumps up to 250 again and we repeat this cycle constantly , is that normal. Today it stuck at 250 for a couple of minutes and the engine started to make a loud humming noise.

    I would think the fans would kick on sooner and maintain more of a constant temp. Do I have a probelm and how dangerous is it if the temp gets up the high all the time. Any help would be appreciated!

    Thanks , MARK
     
  2. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    #2 Darolls, Jun 20, 2004
    Something is wrong, the fans should come on at 195*F.

    Is it possible the humming noise you heard was pressure and coolant releasing through the coolant tank cap?

    Have you checked coolant level and purged air from the system? Also, have you checked the pump belt?

    You may have a faulty switch if the fans aren't coming on until 250*.
     
  3. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #3 GrigioGuy, Jun 20, 2004
    The fans are supposed to kick on at 195. 250 is very much out of range. You could hurt your motor with that level.

    As I recall, there's a temp sensor at the bottom of the radiator that turns on the fan. Try jumpering across that and see if the fans turn on, and how the temps react. It's the switch shown by number 3 in the diagram attached.

    You may also need to check the coolant level and perhaps bleed the system. Remember that the system needs to be bled with the heaters on.
     
  4. slewman

    slewman Karting

    May 4, 2004
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    #4 slewman, Jun 20, 2004
    Mark, what temperature out on the highway?
     
  5. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 jimpo1, Jun 21, 2004
    When my water pump blew, the car was fine as long as I was moving, a testament to a well vented engine I guess. The second I got below about 15mph, the temp skyrocketed.
     
  6. tifosi

    tifosi F1 Veteran
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    #6 tifosi, Jun 21, 2004
    250??? I would not be driving it, I get nervous at 210 - as others have pointed out fans come on at 190 and operating temps should be 190-210. even without your fans if you are moving along at a reasonable pace the car should stay in the 200 range assuming outside temp in the 75-85 range, that said a long stint at a stop light without the fans can take it up quite a bit
     
  7. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    #7 parkerfe, Jun 21, 2004
    That's WAY high. I had my Boxer towed to the shop last year when the water temp went to 105c, which is only 221f. After repairs, my car stays at 90c or so even in the hot Georgia summer!
     
  8. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

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    #8 pma1010, Jun 21, 2004
    Temp senders are notorious. Buy a new sender. In the interim, as someone else posted, check the coolant level/bleed out any air and put a jumper across the fans and see what the guage reads.

    And yes, excessive temps can lead to expensive damage. Fast.
     
  9. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
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    #9 Lawrence Coppari, Jun 21, 2004
    Do you know where the bleeds are located?

    As someone else said, 250 F is way too high (assuming it is a correct number). You'll damage the engine if you let this go.
     
  10. mrockcastle

    mrockcastle Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
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    #10 mrockcastle, Jun 23, 2004
    thank you all for the fine advice. the car will sit till I sort this out. 3 more questions though...this "jumper" that is mentioned how is it used and how does it tell the temp. Is this some sort of tool I can by. I am a capable guy when it comes to tinkering, but but it is usually with other things other than engines.

    As well, what is a good source for a replacement sensor and where are these "bleeders" located?

    Thanks,

    MARK
     
  11. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #11 yelcab, Jun 23, 2004
    Jumper: a electrical term meaning making a short across two terminals. In this case, disconnect the two wires and touch them together.

    Bleeders: 2 each, one at the top of the radiator, and one at the top of the thermostat housing. You bleed the system by opening one screw at a time while the engine is running to make sure all the air gets out of the coolant system.

    And yes 250F is very high.
     
  12. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #12 f355spider, Jun 23, 2004
    You can get the radiator "thermo switch" for a 78 VW Rabbit. It will fit (and cost 1/4 the Ferrari part) order a new gasket as well. If possible, get the one that turns on around 180f rather than 190-195f. The factory oem Ferrari one is only available in 190-195f. The VW one is available in two ratings.
     

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