Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums - 1994 323 carburettor model.

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1994 323 carburettor model.

Help,,,, I have suspected coolant flow issues or bhg! Found hole in lower rad hose/fixed, Have flushed rad 4 times car w demineralised water then topped with coolant, idles cool for ten minutes or so then starts to over heat, radiator hose at top feels like it has crackling corrosion in it when squeezed.
Car overheats under driving load.

Acquired car recently, unknown history on coolant system but fully log booked one owner 152000

do these model mazdas require water water pump or radiator/thermostat replacement around this age/k's.

Owner passed away 4?months ago, car was used by his grandson a couple of times, radiator was full of brown water!

R&R thermostat, With the thermostat out, flush the entire cooling system, both forwards & backwards with a garden hose. R&R both radiator hoses.

Once you have it back together, fill the cooling system up with water from the hose ( don't worry about coolant at the moment) Start it up, fully bleed the system with the radiator cap off. Make sure the cooling fans cut in. Go for a drive & see how it goes.

If its overheated before, it may of damaged the engine, ie blown head gasket.

Before you consider a cooling system flush....make sure you dont see rust. If you do it may be better to complexly health check the cooling system before doing a flush with water that will be introduced into the system with pressure. Speaking of water pressure with a engine an car of that age and condition be careful with the flushing even if the system appears to be good. Know what your line pressure is of the water and try not to exceed about 20lbs.
A BIG mistake people have always done is not consider the garden hose water pressure when doing cooling system flushing!!
I know my house has 1/2 inch water line pre set at 45lb max but I adjusted it at and average 65lbs. I have seen my water pressure peaking at 89lbs. So when I do flushing on my personal engines I turn the valve down to 30lbs water pressure.