i took my protege to the shop cause i thought it was a bad head gasket but when i got it there they said it could also be just a bad thermostat if have any idea what it could be or how to fix let me know

 

YOu need to do some more diagnosing. Did the shop pressure test your cooling system to verify it not the head gasket. Other possiblies, jumped timing belt, radiator & a/c condenser fins plugged or flatten, cooling fans operation, etc. The radiator fins inspection
use flashlight look thru the grill. The cooling fans, if you have a/c turn it on, both fans should run. Just need a little more info to be able to help you.

 

thanx for the info i will check all that stuff and then reply back maybe u can help me again thanks

 

I also have a 90 323 protege and my head gasket went. It overheated and eventually blew the rad nozzle that the cap srees on to right off!! I was in an accedent before it overheated and some of the rad is a little mushed but i dont think it was leaking anywere?? Could that have cause a problem?

 

I have a 1990 mazda protege and on the highway the temperature goes past half mark to there quarters. The car doesn't overheat just runs hot. We changed the radiator and thermostat and hoses. The car idles fine. When you drive the car around town it is fine. Only on the highway over fifty five like sixty will the temp go past half mark. My friend says the head gasket is bad. There is no water in the oil. Can anyone help thank you all.

 

krsdj1,
Blown head gasket?
Depends... are you missing rad fluid?

If your missing rad fluid, but you don't see any signs of leaks, then that's a good sign there may be a blown HG. Our 92 protege heats up to the 70% mark. It sits there solid....doesn't budge. Cars been like this for 4 years.

If your car gets hot on the highway, that may be fine.
Anything over 80% may be of concern....
If you are concerned... inspect the water pump and it's belt.
Also...ensure the fan is working properly.
The thermal switch for the fan may be old....deteriorated and thus causing the fan to come on late and shut off early.

Bob

 

check the oil for water and vise-versa for a blown head gasket. a wreck can cause over heating even if there is no leak. the radiator could get clogged up and cause the water not to circulate