Originally posted by tanny

Hate to look at the negative side, but hopefully you didn't run very long with the temp pegged. Any problems noticed from the overheating? I don't have any idea how resistant these z engines are to damage from over heating. Victor.

Ok well since the question was asked....

I replaced the thermostat 2 days ago. I'm pretty sure I had a 170^ one in there before and replaced it with a 180^ one so the car ran slightly wamer than before, but it seemed fine.

Yesterday I took it out of town, about 1 1/2 hours out. I began to lose power, then lost it completely and had a huge backfire (I believe through one of the carbs). Thick brown smoke filled up my center guage. I managed to drift into a parking lot and park it. Upon inspecting the engine compartment I found that the wire running from the main harness (lower right side of the compartment under the battery) to the solenoid had been severed. I managed to find some wire and electrical tape, spliced it back together, wrapped it and was on my way. I reached my destination, let the car cool, did what I had to do, then tried to go home. The car would not turn over, like the battery was dead, but I was sure it wasn't. I fiddled with the solenoid wiring a bit more to make sure it was secure but it didn't help. Just as I was ready to give up and call for a tow, I got offered a jump, and it worked. I drove the car home w/o turning it off, but it ran like crap, wanting to die with every little bit of gas I gave it and not running well at all below 3000 rpm.

This is where I stand now. I was out of town again today so I haven't had a chance to do anything with it. So I'm not sure what to do, other than take it to my local mechanic (who I completely trust with my car).

Any thoughts?

I am not sure what wire you are refering to but be careful in the replacing of the fuseable link . This may vary well be what went bad on you , and it may have saved you from a complete electrical fire ,as well . It looks like a heavy gauge wire that connects to the solinoid and protects the whole electrical systime. As for what caused it I have no idea .