2 Weeks ago my clutch went out.... No biggie. I replaced it and while I was at it, I removed the thermostat, and replaced the stock fan on my aluminum radiator to a slim fan. When I took it for a test drive, it worked fine but my speedometer was not working. I stopped and connected it. (duh) Later I took it for another test drive and the car started to shake and it had a rough idle. I left it alone and the next day on my way to work it had the same sluggish rough idle. 20 minutes into my drive my check engine light goes on and suddenly my car begins to over heat. I made ity to work and I begun to reserach my problem.

Many people suggested when was the last time I did a tune up. (since the car is turbo charged) - It had been a while. I was eager to see if that would help the idling. As soon as I got home (overheating again) I put regular NGK spark plugs from Kragen (because they dont carry 7's and I was not going to drive the car anymore because it was overheating)

Once I replaced the plugs the idling went away... As far as the overheating problem, I figured if I put the thermostat back on it might make a difference.

Today as I drive again to work, no check engine, no rough idle, no overheating. That was until about 30 minutes into my drive. Then it got worse.

It starting throwing out a lot of smoke, and then the check engine light goes on, followed by my car overheating again.

I checked the oil for water and it is fine. Motor still feels strong. - Maybe I should put the regular NGK 7's back on (since it was tuned with them)?

I am going to put my stock fan back on - maybe the slim fan is not blowing hard enough?

How about the smoke??????? Turbo has no shaft play, and it was running perfectly prior to my clutch taking a dump.


This sucks.
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Did you bleed the coolant after you removed and replaced your thermostat?