1994 Mazda Miata Overheating

NETGUARDIAN1978

MEMBER
1994 MAZDA MIATA
1.4L
4 CYL
RWD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

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?

5 Replies

CATAFINA

MECHANIC
168 POSTS

Replace the Stat and bleed the cooling system-start here

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Thursday, January 15th, 2015 AT 1:30 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

See if your cooling fans are coming on or not check items in pic.

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Thursday, January 15th, 2015 AT 1:35 PM

NETGUARDIAN1978

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the input. I'll replace the thermostat tomorrow.

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Thursday, January 15th, 2015 AT 1:45 PM

NETGUARDIAN1978

MEMBER
3 POSTS

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.

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Thursday, January 15th, 2015 AT 1:46 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

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.