ya thats what your gonna need, new radiator, the two rows are crap. also go with about 175-180 theromostat. dont go too low tho (tho it would seem logical) cuz the engine will run like crap. these car actually run well and need to b pretty warm but not to warm as youve found out

 

Well, I just checked and it doesn't look like I have the 'stock' radiator, cuz there are three rows. The small slits look fairly clean without any sediment or clogs. A friend of mine mentioned that I may need a new radiator cap... could it be something this simple?? At any rate, I'm gonna flush it, clean it and refill the coolant and get a new cap. Hopefully that will take care of it, if not I will replace the thermostat. What would be a good coolant/water mix ratio? I live in Phoenix where it's around 70 degrees in the winter (high temp), but will get very hot in the summer. Is 50/50 okay, or possibly more water than coolant? Thanks.

 

Yep - a worn-out cap can cause a load of problems. They're kinda like hoses: replace them every couple of years even if you think you don't need to.

You'll get the most cooling from water; so if there's no danger of freezing, go with 100% water. But you certainly don't need as much as 50% anti-freeze in Phoenix. Go ahead and add a bottle of a product called "Water Wetter." It lowers water temps by 10 or 20 degrees. You'll find it at most auto parts stores.

 

I know we have been through this before, and I still say you need some anti-freeze in your cooling system. Obviously, 100% pure water will cool better than a mixture, but your water pump bearing will wear out sooner. If you do decide to go with pure water, only use distilled water. Arizona water probably has the same calcium crap in it as Texas water does, and will build up in the rad, causing more cooling problems. It does freeze in Arizona during the winter, doesn't it? But, I do agree with the Water Wetter as an additive. It is not snake oil.

 

Ok, I'm gonna work on the car over the weekend and I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the tips, and I will definitely use some of that Water Wetter additive as well. Thanks...

 

Glen makes an excellent point. Some coolant would be better than none (if only for its lubricating and anti-corrosion properties). Perhaps only 25% rather than 50%. But use Water Wetter regardless.