Whats up guys im obviously new here, around october of last month i purchased a used 2003 350z touring with 129k miles. Everything was going good up until a few days ago, so my problem is my car started overheating i noticed, so i changed out the thermostat hoping that would be the issue i did it correctly i purged the system but that didnt solve the issue, but after i did that i noticed at idle my cars temp is fine but once i start driving it seems the temperature starts rising but once i let it sit and idle the temperature goes back down to normal slowly. I assume theres something messing with the flow of coolant? I been doing a lot of research over the cooling system but still haven't found the issue. My radiator fan does come on and everything.. I can't seem to find the issue any ideas? I thought it might be the water pump but i haven't noticed any leaks or anything. Does my model come with a fan clutch? I was told to check that out but i can't locate it anywhere. Also my cars heat only gets hot when im driving if i stop it gets cold as if i have a/c on. Thanks.

 

If the car overheats when driving but remains cool when idling (and the fan is functioning), you need to repair/replace the radiator.

 

okay thanks im gonna replace the radiator tomorrow.

 

can you go into some detail on why this would happen if you don't mind? i like to learn

 

You have a car that is 14+ years old. The radiator is one of the more vulnerable metal pieces on the car. During the last 14 years, debris built inside the radiator, compromising its function.

 

i see.. i noticed while i was purging the coolant the coolant was like bouncing up and down from time to time a lot is that caused by my radiator aswell?

 

also another question, im gonna purchase a radiator from autozone tomorrow part number B2576 it does NOT come with a radiator cap.. will my oem one work just fine?

 

What does Autozone recommend?

 

Replaced
My radiator. Helped a bit i can drive it longer but its still climbing and the temp drops when idling still... I burped it for awhile im pretty sure theres no air bubbles. Water pump?


also. when i rev my engine the rpms drops below average.. hits around 350 and car shakes a little then rises back up normal. could that be air in my coolant system still messing things up?

 

Sounds like a water pump since u changed out the radiator and thermostat already

 

Haven't gotten the chance to work on the Z lately but today i found a vacuum leak that i fixed. Gonna put everything back and give it a go. A vacuum leak can cause my car to overheat right?

 

No.