# Overheating (Both the car and myself)

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** protege, mazda\
**Created:** [September 8, 2010, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831 "2010-09-08T19:53:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Supergeezer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Supergeezer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Supergeezer)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831/1 "2010-09-08T19:53:55Z")

</div>

My '94 Protege overheats especially while the engine sits at idle speed. Coolant level is OK. No oil/coolant cross- contamination and no smoking from tailpipe. Both fans operate. Belts not slipping. I did discover that if I increase the engine rpm while the car is not moving it lowers the gauge back to/near normal. My theory is that the water pump is failing to circulate enough coolant to maintain the proper temperature within specs. But, before I change it (which involves removal of the timing belt and my consuming several aspirin), I would appreciate any advice/opinions especially if you have dealt with this problem. Thanks!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 8:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831/2 "2010-09-08T20:01:02Z")

</div>

Your theory is probably correct. The two most likely causes are restrictions in the radiator due to age and internal deposits, and a water pump with eroded impelllars (a worn uot pump).

The radiator can be checked with a pyrometer that “sees” temperatures. You can “map” the radiator with one, looking for anomolies in teh heat dissipation.

The water pump can be flow tested.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Supergeezer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Supergeezer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Supergeezer)\
**Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 2:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831/3 "2010-09-10T02:43:28Z")

</div>

Thanks for your help!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![kizwiki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7cd45c/32.png) [@kizwiki](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kizwiki)\
**Post date:** [September 10, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overheating-both-the-car-and-myself/54831/4 "2010-09-10T03:05:57Z")

</div>

That answer is perfect. Just also run the heater and fan full out on the way to repair shop.