my 85.5 NA runs hot when I push it and after checking the sensor for correct resistance, new pump and thermostat last year and power vented the system, no change. The rad was replace last year with one from a parts car and the flow test was good, but, I was told today that even if it flowed OK if there was a blockage that it would adversely effect heat transfer and that is most likely the problem. So, any ideas on the price of a new rad? Also I saw a neat way to fill the cooling system, guaranteed no air. the system uses a vacuum to draw the air out and then the fluid is drawn into the vacuum. I was told thats how new cars are filled at the factory.

 

Blockage would definitely adversely effect heat dissipation.

Everyone seems to say that above the first white bar is OK for our cars, but I have always differed.

I got a new water pump, temp switch, new hoses, use dex-cool and redline water wetter, and a new radiator from Paragon Products.com. It was $279, but since then my temp mark has NEVER gone above white, even on the hottest of days, and normally stays about a bar width below it.

A new radiator will do wonders, I think.

BTW, venting the system is easy as pie, so don't purchase anything special for it. Follow the steps on <a href="http://www.clarks-garage.com" target="_blank">www.clarks-garage.com</a> and you'll be OK. Very easy to do.

Again, to answer question, a new radiator when I got it from Paragon Products.com was $279.

-Matt

 

Thanks Matt. Finding a Rad pressure guage was a treat. My parts place gave me a blank look, the NAPA people said sure $150 CDN. Finally borrowed it from a guy I know that has a local garage. I think cooling has to be very important for our cars so I think I'll go for a new rad, price seems reasonable and install based on Clarks Garage sounds simple enough.

 

Definitely.

You can vent the system by turning the car on, letting it warm up, opening the vent until no more air/bubbles come out. Then tighten the vent bolt and turn the car off. Add some more water if necessary.

It is a very easy fix. While you are at it, make sure you order some radiator mounts because no doubt yours are old (they are rubber). Mine were old. The only tough part is getting the radiator in there over the mounts. Just use a large flathead to work the mounts/radiator into place. Also, while you are in there doing all that, you might as well replace all the hoses. They are cheap and the only difficult part is flushing the system (not difficult), so since you will already have it empty, might as well do that. Call Paragon Products, I think they have them all. If not, Pelican has them as well. Get the upper, lower, and there are a couple small ones that go from the resevoir to the radiator and water pump IIRC.

Honestly, you don't need a pressure tester/gauge. I borrowed one from Autozone, but when I flushed my brother's 88 944 a few weeks ago, I merely used the engine to provide the pressure. It won't hurt the car in any way to do it that way.

Also, it helps if the car is slightly elevated (the front wheels) when you vent. Make sure though when you add the coolant you are on level ground, makes it easier to read the level.

-Matt

PS
Although this picture seems odd to me because it only shows one fan, everything else is correct. It gives you an idea of how the hoses go in there, etc., etc...

<img src="http://www.pelicanparts.com/944/944_parts/944_83-85/pic4.jpg" alt=" - " />

 

try overnight radiator.com I think that's it?!?!

they had my 4000s radiator for 170 when everybody wanted 360.

 

has anybody changed out a radiator? are they that hard? i have done it to other cars,but not a car this small.

s.t.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by indiana_86_944_turbo:
<strong>has anybody changed out a radiator? are they that hard? i have done it to other cars,but not a car this small.

s.t.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">ST,

I guess you didn't see, but yeah I changed mine. If you've done it in other cars, you can do it in the 944. I had never done any radiators before I did my 944 and it was very straightforward. Comes out the bottom... you'll need to jack the car up a bit to have clearance. Installation is the hardest part, that is, getting the radiator back in place with the new rubber mounts. Just requires a little muscle and inginuity.

Good luck,
Matt

 

Hey Matt Olde - that was a bloody marvelous post - so comprehensive - this is a fabulous site for us ignoramuses.

 

Vertex has an ad in Excellence $190 for a new radiator.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Bruce '89 s2:
<strong>this is a fabulous site for us ignoramuses.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">that why we all love this place <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Bruce '89 s2:
<strong>Hey Matt Olde - that was a bloody marvelous post - so comprehensive - this is a fabulous site for us ignoramuses.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Bruce, thanks. You made me smile because as I read your post my mind's ear read it with a scottish accent.

The really great part is that I'm about a 1.1 on a scale of 1-10 on how smart many of the folks on Rennlist are!!!

 

Radiator.com is $4 cheaper than Paragon. Jason's worth the extra Big Mac Value Meal.

 

I had a new one installed by my mechanic for less than $500.

89S2-For Sale!

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by JSW:
<strong>I had a new one installed by my mechanic for less than $500.

89S2-For Sale!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">did you supply the new one or did that include the raditor?

s.t.

 

I'm tellin' ya guys, it's a DIY job. If MATT can do it, seriously, anyone here can do it. Clarks Garage provides awesome instructions, just follow them, and you'll surprise yourself at what you can do. Don't pay $220 in labor (unless of course you make so much money an hour your time is better spent working).

But don't not do it because you don't think you can. It's very easy to do.

-Matt