300ZX 2+2 coolant leak

Canada Nissan Automotive
1

Hey guys!

I was wondering if anyone can help me out.

I replaced my radiator and went out for a test drive.
My engine was overheating, and smoking.
There seems to be engine coolant leaking on the side of the passenger side of the engine. I can see the wet spots on the bottom of the engine but I can’t tell where the leak is coming from.
It’s a 1990 300ZX 2+2.

Anyone know where I should start?
I’m pretty short on cash so I’d like to try and fix it myself.

Thanks guys

2

Uh oh Might be head gasket…

3

You might want to rent/borrow a pump to pressurize the cooling system, so you can look without the car running.

4

Thanks, I’m going to go pick one up.

Another thing that I noticed and I think happened at the same time is that I get no heat coming into the car even though the engine overheats. The air coming in is ice cold?

Does that help narrow anything down/???

Thanks again guys!

5

last owner on my z overheated as well but we fixed it with a bigger rad. did you buy a oem rad or? also change the temp sensor.

6

Ya I bought an OEM rad, changed the thermostat, and the leak seems to have stopped, but the car still overheats and I don’t get any heat blowing in to the car

Any more ideas???

7

You need to properly bleed the system. If you have a bubble in there, it would make it overheat.

8

This tells you coolant is not circulating through the system. Could be a bubble, or even a water pump.

I’d take a good look at the water pump and make sure everything is put together right. Look for a spot you can check for coolant flow right away when you start it up. (Fitting you can loosen, hose you can feel for heat, etc) Start it up, check flow, and shut it off before it overheats if there’s no flow.

Good luck
Dan

9

It was air in the system!!!

Thanks for the help guys!!!

I thought i was screwed :lol:

10

Right on! Glad it worked out.

This is one of those times when something goes right. Notice it! Appreciate it!

Cheers,
Dan