revswhite96

I recently purchased a 96 with 88K miles. Cars seems in great shape - runs great. Engine temp seems to hang right at 195 -200 normal driving. Sitting in traffic for short periods of time, (drive thru lines) temp rises dramatically - to what I would guess to be about 230. This is a guess by trying to determine exactly where the needle is on the temp gauge.

My assumption is that the marks on the temp gauge run 185 - 210 - 235 - 260. The hottest its been is setting on the 235 marker.

Some of the threads found in the search guide, seem to say that high temps are "normal". so, how high is too high. Once the car start moving, the temp drops back to around 200 mark. Does the system need flushed? What is the stock temp for the thermostat?

I live in Central West Fl. the average temp is 95 - 98. Thanks. I just don't want anything terrible to happen to the car. kby

Red Dwarf

Stock thermostat is 180*

I assume you don't have an owner's manual? If you don't let me know & I can send you info on a down load for your year.



This will help in reading the gauges. You have analog & digital temp read outs. Press the gauges button & it will come up along with volts, trans. temp & oil temp.

Hope the picture comes out. Haven't done this in a long time.

don hall

The analog gage is just a guide...... use the digital gage to determine actual temps. Your temps are normal, but just for preventive maintenance, clear any debris from behind the radiator.

Your primary fan should activate around 228, and the secondary fan at about 235. The temps should not exceed 235..... if they do, your fans are not operating.

Next time the engine is cold, remove the surge tank cap, start the engine, and look into the tank to see if the circulating coolant is clear. If it is cloudy, drain the coolant.

If you intend to drain the coolant, now would be the time to replace
the 2 knock sensors. The sensors are in the bottom of the block, and removal will drain the coolant from the block.

hooked073

your temps are totaly normal

Old Ben

Your temps are normal. Use the digital gage to determine actual temps, the analog gage is not that accurate.

toptechx6

Link here to an online copy of the owners manual courtesy of forum vendor GM Parts House.

http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...96corvette.pdf

See Page 2-95

revswhite96

First, it's comforting to know that these temps are "normal"; I'll check the surge tank; and check under the front end for debris and other junk.

Right now it seems to be getting about 18 mpg's - is that typical as well? I'm driving it like an old lady... thanks again.