1992 Mazda 323 Overheating

1992 MAZDA 323
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MAPPYSKF
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  • 1 POST
Engine Cooling problem
1992 Mazda 323 Manual 250000 miles

When I start it cold, the idle sticks to around 1-1.5 RPMs and the heat goes skyward. This is when I just drive it around for a few minutes. Then if I turn it off and turn it back on a few seconds later or a minute later, the idle drops to around .5-.75. At this point, the heat goes to a more normal area and when I shift from second to third and third to fourth, the heat goes up close to the overheat line and drops back to a normal level. Like a yo-yo. If I'm driving in 4th, it will go up and down between these high to normal levels. The fan is working fine too btw. What could be the problem?
Jun 29, 2010 at 11:00 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi there,

Have the radiator cleaned by a radiator repairer and while the cooling system is drained replace the thermostat, start here.

mark (mhpautos)
Jun 29, 2010 at 11:48 PM
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