I recently bought my first car which is a 2002 Mazda Protege 5. A few days ago I realized that the thermostat was very very high. Once the engine was cool I popped the hood. The coolant reservoir and radiator was bone dry! I bought the 50/50 antifreeze coolant but according to the directions and the owner's manual it says that I have to flush the system.

Should I do it myself or see a mechanic?

I would appreciate any input!!

Thanks in advance

 

It's pretty easy to do yourself. The chemical that you use to flush it has directions on the bottle. Replace the thermostat and check the sending units for the system.

 

Hello,

Thank you for your insight...I will definitely give it a try.

All the best,

Jessie12

 

Jesse12, do not get a lower temp thermostat. It is not good for combustion or allowing the engine oil to get up to full operating temperature which is necessary to ward off condensation in the crank case. Stay w/the factory recommended temperature which (and I could be wrong so check, ) is a 195*. If that doesn't/isn't working and the car is still overheating, then you have another problem which needs to be dealt with, not covered up using a lower temp thermostat.
It is not wise to change recommended specs for the engine. The engine designers/builders know best.

dbmazda, I have stayed away until now, but have watched your posts. You are wrong more often than you are right. Your advice is flawed which could lead to damage to or further damage of a members car. Worse, you seem totally oblivious to the advice others are giving that is based in fact and experience!! You have been "called out" several times only to reiterate what you have already stated or ignore it completely, which is not convincing to anyone.
If you want to try all these things on your own car, fine, so be it, but stop trying to get others to do repairs and upgrades the wrong way.

 

Hi dmazda,

I checked and there was no leakage under the car. I used the 50/50 coolant and it has not been overheating thus far. Thank you for the tidbits

All the best.

 

Hi Virgin1,

I checked the owner's manual and will stick with the recommended thermostat. I put the 50/50 mixture and the car has not been overheating or leaking thus far...I will still continue to monitor the thermostat and if anything changes will take it in.

Thank you for your suggestions and advice.

Be well!