overheating m50

[Money$hit]

I think Im losing coolant somewhere, but I cannot detect it. The car runs fine when Im driving, but in traffic it likes to get hot. Is this common? Engine is an NV M50.

What can I do to remedy this? Ive searched but I guess I cant find the answers to my question.

[FredK]

What kind of fan are you running?

[Money$hit]

It looks stock, im not really sure, im the 2nd owner.

Are there any indicators I should be looking for? I mean its driven off of the engine, its not electric or anything.

[FredK]

The fan clutch could be dead. If it is completely toast, you can try stopping it with a folded up newspaper while the engine is on. If there is little to no resistance, then it is shot.

[Money$hit]

Nice, Ill go try this. Thanks!

Next I guess I have to figure out my coolant deficiency....

[Money$hit]

Yeah, its fried. I guess Ill be replacing that. Maybe it will help my cooling issues.

*edit*
wow, fan clutch, nicht cheap. Im getting $109 from pelican, is this about accurate?

[FredK]

Sadly a brand new fan clutch is not cheap no matter where you get one. Just make sure you get the right one, because it's more than likely the fan is an M20 unit, because the M50 fan won't fit.

Coolant can sometimes weep from a failing water pump and never make it to the ground. That is one of the best-case scenarios. The heater core might be leaking. Are the insides of your windows fogged up/greasy at all?

[Money$hit]

good point, i was looking at m50 parts.

*edit*
Which is the better part Behr or Sachs?

[FredK]

I'd trust either brand. I don't remember what M20 fans look like exactly, but make sure the number of bolts / mounting styles are identical. I think some fans had 4 bolts and some had 3? I forgot.

[Charlie]

What T-stat you got in there? The stock 92 degree one seems a little extreme for that motor.

-Charlie

[Money$hit]

That is one of the best-case scenarios. The heater core might be leaking. Are the insides of your windows fogged up/greasy at all?

I clean my windows like weekly and they always end up filmy inside. Is this the cause?

[Money$hit]

What T-stat you got in there? The stock 92 degree one seems a little extreme for that motor.

-Charlie

Unsure of the Tstat. Like I said im the 2nd owner. I would assume its the stock unit.

[FredK]

I clean my windows like weekly and they always end up filmy inside. Is this the cause?

yes.

[Money$hit]

So with the heater core issue, is it a matter of rebuilding, or replacing the unit?

[FredK]

Replace. You might be able to get a used one.