1994 Mazda Miata Overheating

1994 MAZDA MIATA
130,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • RWD • MANUAL
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NETGUARDIAN1978
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  • 3 POSTS
My car was running excessively hot in normal suburban driving conditions. The gauge would top out and I would quickly pull over to let it cool down. If I was stuck at a traffic light it would go to the top of the gauge and I would again pull off to let it cool. Here's the thing: once I got moving and started to drive it slowly at about 40 mph, the temp dropped quickly back to the normal range and stayed there till I got home. Do I have a bad thermostat?
Jan 15, 2015 at 12:48 PM
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CATAFINA
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 167 POSTS
Replace the Stat and bleed the cooling system-start here
Jan 15, 2015 at 1:30 PM
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HMAC300
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  • 48,601 POSTS
see if your cooling fans are coming on or not check items in pic.
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Jan 15, 2015 at 1:35 PM
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NETGUARDIAN1978
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Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the input. I'll replace the thermostat tomorrow.
Jan 15, 2015 at 1:45 PM
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NETGUARDIAN1978
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Looks like my fans are running fine, but I'll take a closer look tomorrow morning. Thanks for the speedy reply. I appreciate the input.
Jan 15, 2015 at 1:46 PM
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HMAC300
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old be an engine problem like ahead gasket or a bad radiator feel for cold spots when heated up make sure fans cannot come on with engine off. if you feel cold spots the rad is no good. I doubt it's the tstat as it would overheat instantly and not cool down like you say.
Jan 15, 2015 at 4:09 PM