Engine hot, indicated coolant temp is normal

alanmc

Here's a strange one. My engine recently, after even a short spin, seems very hot. When I open the bonnet, it seems a lot hotter than before. Coolant temp is normal. The fans are on all the time (which apparently is normal for the 350z when the aircon is on).

I'm probably fixating, but is there anything I should check?
Car is a 2004 Nissan 350z.

keithsfleet

Get a cheap obd bluetooth adaptor and run one of the numerous apps available.
I know torque will give you an exact reading of the coolant temperature and access to any of the engine temperature sensors if there is any.

The fans will stay on with AC on.

Make sure coolant level is correct and well bled.

alanmc

Done that. No codes, coolant temp matches what I know to be correct 89-90 deg.

alanmc

Actually, the coolant level is good. But I didn't check to see if there was any air trapped. Hmmmm.

keithsfleet

As long as it is bled well and the correct coolant mix I wouldn't worry about it.
When was the coolant last changed?

It's a big engine in a relatively small compartment where heat can radiate and bounce around. V6s tend to run warm by the nature of their layout anyway.

alanmc

I had the coolant changed a few months back. Checked it again today and it still looks fresh. Proper Nissan mix as well.

I'm probably obsessing. The temp stays good both moving and stationary. Heater matrix produces bog loads of heat. Just wanted to see if I missed anything.

Thanks for the reply.

dieselbug

Try it with the aircon off.

The fans running, will will pull heat through the rad into the engine bay concentrating the heat in there.

dgt

Thermostat? Water pump? Were either changed?

alanmc

@dieselbug: it's the block itself that's very hot
@dgt: neither was changed recently, but coincidentally, I have it booked in for a water pump change this week. I'll get them to take a look at it.

matt-dublin

alanmc wrote: »

@dieselbug: it's the block itself that's very hot
@dgt: neither was changed recently, but coincidentally, I have it booked in for a water pump change this week. I'll get them to take a look at it.

If they're replacing the pump I'd say get the thermostat done as well.

Might be faulty and they're taking it out anyway I think

alanmc

Ok, after today I think my beloved V6 is overheating ... despite what the temp gauge (and Torque) says. There's that smell of warm plastic and hot water off it. Bucket loads of heat pouring off the plenum.

It's in for the water pump on Wednesday, so I'll get them to give it the once over.

deezell

alanmc wrote: »

Ok, after today I think my beloved V6 is overheating ... despite what the temp gauge (and Torque) says. There's that smell of warm plastic and hot water off it. Bucket loads of heat pouring off the plenum.

It's in for the water pump on Wednesday, so I'll get them to give it the once over.

Sounds like the head gasket to me. I hope not

matt-dublin

deezell wrote: »

Sounds like the head gasket to me. I hope not

reading stale threads much?

deezell

I hope it is your head gasket so.

matt-dublin

excellent start to your posting career!

88manta

I looked at a car a few months ago, air temperature sensor in airflow meter was causing the cooling fan to stay on.

I would have zero faith in 'Torque' App.

you need professional equipment to do a dealer level scan on the diagnostic and to read the sensor readings.

On the car I was checking, the temperature sensor was giving a reading of 228 degrees. (actual air temp was 14 degrees)

Sensor replaced, problem fixed.