jgodin

I just purchased a 1988 Vette that has a new radiator, hoses, etc. Running the car on the interstate yesterday (Las Vegas temperature of 110 degrees) the coolant temperature ran between 230 to 240 degrees. The car did not overheat but I know that the normal temperature in between 190 and 220 degrees. Fans are working and everything is new. Previous owner stated that the car runs hot. My question is, is this normal or is there something that I can replace on the car to get it to run at normal temperature?

THE 383 admiral

I'm not sure why GM programmed the ECM. to turn on the fans in the 220deg mark. Check. the obvious. coolant air pocket? Check for leaves and other debris. Clogging up the radiator fins. Due to the vacuum effect. funneling air straight into the pocket.

ex-x-fire

Fans have no effect at highway speeds.

ex-x-fire

Make sure the air dam is in place.

Cruisinfanatic

is the radiator new?

THE 383 admiral

OE settings. That might be true. I tune. they actually do make a difference.

Tom400CFI

Stock or stockish car? Not normal. Mine will run below 200* on the highway, in 100* temps. Have you checked the space between the radiator and the condenser (the front of the radiator) for debris? That would be step #1. Step #2 would be to flush the cooling system in its entirety.

JD Shredds

For reference, also in Vegas, I was running my '94 (original radiator) on the interstate for a long run back and forth across town the day before yesterday when it was 115. Settled around 210-215 at speed. Shot up to 230 in stop and go but fan kept it in check. Oh, and my ac is flat so I wasnt running that fan. Yeah it was rough haha.

Surface temps here can get ridiculous, and these are bottom breathers. But just do as the others suggested.

darklordftt

There might be an air pocket in the system. Some shops have a tool that pushes coolant through the entire system to fill it. See if you can have it serviced this way. Compared to just filling the system up and trying to burp it. I would also recommend a lower deg. thermostat.

WVZR-1

You're using what to confirm the actual TEMPS? If you're not using a SCANNER I don't believe you can monitor TEMPS from the CTS. How long was this Intersate run? Up the ramp and to the next exit doesn't maybe constitute a "run".

jgodin

Thanks,
I checked for debris and all is clear.

jgodin

New aluminum radiator and all new hoses, thermostat.

jgodin

This weather is brutal

jgodin

Interstate run was about 15 miles one way. The car had the chance to cool down at work for about an hour then I took it back the same route. Still running about 230 degrees

ex-x-fire

Spray a garden hose through both cores, maybe sand is clogging the fins.

WVZR-1

What/how are you monitoring coolant temps? I asked earlier.

Tom400CFI

If you are trying to use the analog gauge, that thing is about worthless.

Cruisinfanatic

88's are digital

WVZR-1

I realize the DIGITAL aspect of the DISPLAY but it's no more reliable than the sender that's supplying the information. The +/- of resistance values I'd think render the DIGITAL about as useless an the ANALOG (swept) gauges in the later years.

ex-x-fire

So what you guys are trying to say is that he should have a scanner hooked up when its running hot to compare the readings between the ECT sensor & the gauge? That's what I do when I suspect a stuck open t-stat is causing no heat in the winter.