Ok guys, I have a built short block with low compression pistons, stock radiator, samco coolant hoses, and the turbonetics turbo kit. We did a pressure test and their were no leaks after the test. Im only boosting 9-10 psi so I dont even headlight could be the issue. Do you guys think when I had the motor put together, maybe they didnt seal the block correctly and Im leaking air from there and thats whats causing the car to heat ever few days????? thanx for your help in advance.

 

I had the similar problem with my car. I didn't overheat but you could hear the steam thumping though the heater core and feel it where the return coolant line comes from the turbos. I put in a koyo 52mm radiator and new stock thermostat and my problem was solved. Not a sound since I did it. If you go this route be careful with the samco lower hose mine swelled and hit the ac clutch. Ihad to put the stock one back it has plenty of clearance.

 

cant fit the koyo radiator with the turbonetics kit from what I hear so that option is sort of out.

 

Have you tried swapping the thermostat?

 

I put in a brand new nismo thermostat when I built the motor, so I dont think that would be it.

 

You'd be surprised. Myself and barthelb have both had tstats die on us just one month after installing them brand new..

 

I'm not sure ,but you may be able to fit the 36mm radiator in the car with the tn kit. Like mia said it may be the thermostat. I did both but not sure which one it was. It may have been a combo.

 

I guess I could try swapping in my stock one and hope for the best?? Just did a leak down test and showing less compression like theirs a leak I assume??

 

Don't use the old one the auto parts store has it for $24 that inculdes a new housing. Your compression will be lower with the built motor. How did you lose with leakdown test. You can ask sharif for the #'s for both tests.

 

You have a small air bubble in the coolant system..

 

Weve done the refill process a few times with the radiator and waited for all the bubbles to come out and what not but the problem CONTINUES to occur. Japtrix has the vehicle now and they say they are going to have to pull the motor. I cant believe how serious this problem has gotten, b/c I just had that motor put it and built by them.

 

beat me to it...only listen to people with mullets...bleed your coolant system...easy fix

 

Edit

 

I would bleed, bleed and rebleed, before they pull the motor...

 

What is the color of your coolant?

 

I had air in my system after installing my 53mm Koyo radiator and Nismo Tstat. I drove down the block (as a test) at a grandma pace and the temp gauge almost topped out, I freaked, but pulled over to let the car cool. I drained the system and did it all over again, opened the back valve and poured the damn fluid even s l o w e r. It wasn't the problem... I had air regardless.

So I waited until morning to deal with this problem as the day turned to Midnight... my buddy said, tomorrow try turing your heater to MAX and let the car idle like this for about 5minutes. Sure enough, it pulled all the air out of the system and it's been running perfect for a few weeks now

GL,
Zquicksilver

 

I'm going thru the same damn problem right now with mine...tomorrow trying a new thermostat and bleeding the system. Local performace shop says the air bubbles are mighty tricky...also thermostats are like spark plugs or Big Macs - high % of crap.

 

Well japtrix is a well known shop, Im sure they wouldnt tell me they have to pull the motor b/c they want my money. Im sure theyve gone through the steps, is their ANY WAY to tell if a thermostat is bad??????

 

Yeah if you measure the water temp on the return hose to the radiator and it reads extemely low while the stock water temp is reading high then your thermostat is not opening. Or just remove it.

 

Thats sucks! I hope they test a few things first prior to pulling the motor! Some cars are a PITA to get all the air out of the system. My Celica took several attemps to completely get all the air out, turing on the heater/fan helped.

Good luck!