Driving my RX-8 From Work and it Overheated, this is what happened when I ignored my Radiator Leak

Driving my RX-8 From Work and it Overheated, this is what happened when I ignored my Radiator Leak Mazda RX-8 Overheating Your Mazda was designed to run at a set temperature in order to deliver the best performance for its engine. Any temperature outside of the recommended range can result in damage to the engine and its components. That is why if you find your Mazda engine running too hot, you need to locate and repair the problem. Here's the rundown on overheating in a Mazda Rx-8 (something we wish would come back), and what you can do about it. Causes Of Overheating Anytime a part of the cooling system can no longer transport, absorb or dissipate heat, overheating of the engine may occur. Things like low coolant levels, coolant leaks, heat conductivity within the engine from clogged water jackets, faulty thermostats, bad radiator airflow, or defective cap can cause overheating. Additionally, if the fan clutch slips or is inoperative, you can get overheating. Hoses that have collapsed or water pump impeller that is loose can also cause overheating. Coolant Heat will always flow from the higher temperature to an area that has a lower temperature, so the only way to cool hot metal is to keep cooler liquid on it. That is why the coolant is constantly circulated within the engine components, and should that circulation stop, the temperature will begin to rise. When the coolant is heated by the engine, it has to be able to get rid of the heat before it goes around again. This happens in the radiator, and if the radiator is not working or is clogged with debris, its ability to lower the temperature of the liquid is greatly diminished. All the tubes, hoses, and internal workings can become clogged with rust or junk. Your cooling fan must be working in order to cool the liquid down. Thermostat The thermostat is responsible for maintaining the right temperature, and if it does not open, it will not allow coolant to flow to the engine. This can cause overheating. Exhaust The exhaust takes the heat away from the engine and dissipates it, so if you have a restricted catalytic converter or a crushed pipe, you put a restriction on the flow of heat. This can cause the engine to run too hot. Temperature Gauge It may be that the temperature gauge is faulting, and you are not really overheating. There may be a warning light on due to a bad coolant sensor due to air trapped underneath the sensor or a low level of coolant. Consequences Of Overheating Should your RX-8 overheat for long enough, it can cause catastrophic damage to its engine. Think damage to the pistons, rings, and rod bearings. If the overheating is too extreme, you can blow a head gasket. Since aluminum swells three times faster than the cast iron, it distorts and swells the head, and this can squeeze the gasket until it gives under pressure. Never ignore your hot warning light. Stop driving as soon as you see it illuminated. Let the car cool down and look for the problem. Do not drive while the car is running hot or you risk destroying your engine. Troubleshooting For A Solution System Leaks – This is the number one reason why a vehicle overheats. You should check hoses, caps, heater cores, the radiator, water pump, head gasket, freeze plugs, thermostat housing, automatic transmission oil cooler, block and cylinder heads for leaks. Take a look around your cooling system, and then run a pressure test to locate internal leaks. This will show you where fluids may be seeping out around hoses or even cracks in the head. Your system should be able to handle 12 to 15 psi for at least 15 minutes without a loss of any pressure. Any pressure leaks usually point towards an internal leak like the head gasket, a cracked cylinder, or block. Be sure to do a pressure test on the radiator cap in order to determine that the boiling point is correct. Thermostat – You can test your thermostat to see if it is the problem by starting the engine and putting your hand on the upper hose to the radiator. It should not be hot until the engine has warmed up. If the hose is not hot at all, it is because the thermostat is not opening up. You can also test it by taking it out of the vehicle and dropping it into a pan that contains boiling water. It will open up if it is good. Replace a faulty thermostat with one that is recommended for your Mazda RX-8. Using an incorrect thermostat can prevent the RX-8’s computer from operating properly.