M20B27 coolant temp rises at idle or while in traffic.

[SmokeE30]

I would say go with a new replacement radiator From behr or othe name brand source unless you wanna switch stuff over to the late model cooling setup as it does use different hoses, waterpump, expansion tank.

[saturnv7890]

I would say go with a new replacement radiator From behr or othe name brand source unless you wanna switch stuff over to the late model cooling setup as it does use different hoses, waterpump, expansion tank.

OHH there's that, failed to notice the early model.


z3m only fits late model system, conversion can be made but yeah heed this guy's words

[bigredguy]

yeah, I dont plan on doing anything performance wise anytime soon, besides maybe a chip to liven it up, so I dont think I will want to redo the whole cooling system. It is a daily driver and I love getting 27mpg average doing mostly city driving.

So from what I gathered if I do go with a new radiator the best bet would probably be a replacement aluminum one. I still havent checked to see if the fan clutch is bad, its been raining all day.

So if it is not the fan clutch is it definitely the radiator is bad? Or what are the other possibilities.

[SmokeE30]

Basicly every component of the cooling system has a lifespan so anything that hasn't been replaced over the life of the car by this point should be replaced but the fan clutch and radiator and thermostat are the major factors to keeping it cool

[saturnv7890]

So from what I gathered if I do go with a new radiator the best bet would probably be a replacement aluminum one. I still havent checked to see if the fan clutch is bad, its been raining all day.

So if it is not the fan clutch is it definitely the radiator is bad? Or what are the other possibilities.

Check compatability before ordering, most of the aluminum rads on ebay are for the late model, which are not plug and play on your car, I'd do research to find out what hoses you need to convert to a late model rad.


As for other possibilities, a good flush never hurt anyone. There are many many ways of doing the flush, just make sure you flush out the block and radiator and heater core and every single component throughly to start fresh.