Question(s) for those in Warm/Hot weather states....
02-22-2017, 09:14 AM
#1
Question(s) for those in Warm/Hot weather states....
Being new to the Vette all around, I have some questions as a Newb...
First, please be patient - this is a whole new experience for me with an '87 base coupe.
It has only been in the 60's here and the coolant temp readings seem to vary quite a bit. When driving, it's in the 180's but man, let me get stopped in traffic and I watch that baby rise like the morning sun....
I am not sure how much ambient temp effects the temp but, in the 60's, and yet it's risen to 225 and the fan have kicked in? I am just trying to imagine when it hits the 90's here in St. Louis, coupled with oppressive humidity, and I just cringing...
I am not a "handy man" and own enough tools to change a lightbulb. Not that I'm afraid to tinker, just have no experience.
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas - all are appreciated.
Thanks!
- Chase
First, please be patient - this is a whole new experience for me with an '87 base coupe.
It has only been in the 60's here and the coolant temp readings seem to vary quite a bit. When driving, it's in the 180's but man, let me get stopped in traffic and I watch that baby rise like the morning sun....
I am not sure how much ambient temp effects the temp but, in the 60's, and yet it's risen to 225 and the fan have kicked in? I am just trying to imagine when it hits the 90's here in St. Louis, coupled with oppressive humidity, and I just cringing...
I am not a "handy man" and own enough tools to change a lightbulb. Not that I'm afraid to tinker, just have no experience.
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas - all are appreciated.
Thanks!
- Chase
02-22-2017, 09:47 AM
#2
Zen Vet Master Level VII
It sounds pretty normal to me. I live in Texas and 100 degree days are the norm for months at a time. Mine swings around 200ish but I put a chip in my system and the fans come on at 205 and go off at 200. The specs on my 91 LT5 call for the fans to come on a 238.
225 is within specs--a little high-- but normal. Our cars were designed to run a little hotter for emission control stuff.
Plus, our gauges are only approximates- you will need to shoot your system with a heat gun to be super accurate on your temps.
You will want to check your radiator/ac for blockage. Our cars are a giant vacuum on the roads. I swapped a leaky radiator a couple of weeks ago and was shock at the amount of junk (leaves, paper, cigarette buts, etc) trapped in the system. I also "Combed" out my radiator fins to remove 20 plus years of junk.
A fresh flush and new fluid can't hurt either.
You sound Ok to me
225 is within specs--a little high-- but normal. Our cars were designed to run a little hotter for emission control stuff.
Plus, our gauges are only approximates- you will need to shoot your system with a heat gun to be super accurate on your temps.
You will want to check your radiator/ac for blockage. Our cars are a giant vacuum on the roads. I swapped a leaky radiator a couple of weeks ago and was shock at the amount of junk (leaves, paper, cigarette buts, etc) trapped in the system. I also "Combed" out my radiator fins to remove 20 plus years of junk.
A fresh flush and new fluid can't hurt either.
You sound Ok to me
Last edited by billschroeder5842; 02-22-2017 at 09:48 AM.
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7even (02-22-2017)
02-22-2017, 09:59 AM
#3
It sounds pretty normal to me. I live in Texas and 100 degree days are the norm for months at a time. Mine swings around 200ish but I put a chip in my system and the fans come on at 205 and go off at 200. The specs on my 91 LT5 call for the fans to come on a 238.
225 is within specs--a little high-- but normal. Our cars were designed to run a little hotter for emission control stuff.
Plus, our gauges are only approximates- you will need to shoot your system with a heat gun to be super accurate on your temps.
You will want to check your radiator/ac for blockage. Our cars are a giant vacuum on the roads. I swapped a leaky radiator a couple of weeks ago and was shock at the amount of junk (leaves, paper, cigarette buts, etc) trapped in the system. I also "Combed" out my radiator fins to remove 20 plus years of junk.
A fresh flush and new fluid can't hurt either.
You sound Ok to me
225 is within specs--a little high-- but normal. Our cars were designed to run a little hotter for emission control stuff.
Plus, our gauges are only approximates- you will need to shoot your system with a heat gun to be super accurate on your temps.
You will want to check your radiator/ac for blockage. Our cars are a giant vacuum on the roads. I swapped a leaky radiator a couple of weeks ago and was shock at the amount of junk (leaves, paper, cigarette buts, etc) trapped in the system. I also "Combed" out my radiator fins to remove 20 plus years of junk.
A fresh flush and new fluid can't hurt either.
You sound Ok to me
Others have talked about fluids and this is def on the agenda but, as a matter of reference, even as I researched online, I discovered that this was the place that I wanted to get info.
Thanks again for the input!
02-22-2017, 10:23 AM
#4
Safety Car
If it gets to the point you just don't want to deal with the getting hot anymore, DeWitts sells a single core and even a dual core radiator that fixes this, according to all the posts where folks have replaced their radiators with one of DeWitts' radiators.
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Last edited by drcook; 02-22-2017 at 10:23 AM.
02-22-2017, 10:43 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
If it gets to the point you just don't want to deal with the getting hot anymore, DeWitts sells a single core and even a dual core radiator that fixes this, according to all the posts where folks have replaced their radiators with one of DeWitts' radiators.
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Last edited by s carter; 02-22-2017 at 11:13 AM.
02-22-2017, 10:59 AM
#6
Team Owner
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Your temp observations are normal. The thermostat doesn't open until 195F if its stock. Main fan should come on at 228F.
Before summer rolls around, it would be a good idea to remove the radiator shroud and clean the space between the condensor and radiator. It will be full of leaves and garbage.
Of course you can do things like install a better radiator, upgrade the WP, and change the thermostat if you're really bothered by it. You can also have the chip retuned to lower the fan setting. I have done all of these things myself.
Before summer rolls around, it would be a good idea to remove the radiator shroud and clean the space between the condensor and radiator. It will be full of leaves and garbage.
Of course you can do things like install a better radiator, upgrade the WP, and change the thermostat if you're really bothered by it. You can also have the chip retuned to lower the fan setting. I have done all of these things myself.
02-22-2017, 12:14 PM
#7
Your good but a good idea to pull the radiator and clean it and the coils. They are big vacuum cleansers.
02-22-2017, 02:47 PM
#8
Safety Car
It's always a good idea to tell us what year Corvette you have. Some of these suggestions are a bit radical, when there may be nothing wrong with your car! My radiator is original (240,000 miles) and I get almost no junk in the front of my radiator. I do check it occasionally, but I don't have many autumn leaves on my roads. My temperatures stay in the normal range, and my fan cycles on and off when I'm stuck in traffic, just as it should. And it does get warm in SoCal!
Basics are important! Are your fluid levels correct? Do you change your fluids and coolant regularly?
Basics are important! Are your fluid levels correct? Do you change your fluids and coolant regularly?
02-23-2017, 03:25 AM
#9
Race Director
02-23-2017, 09:14 AM
#10
Racer
My '87 in Oklahoma summer: 187-189 on the highway w/ Dewitt two tube radiator. In town I have a manual fan switch but seldom have to use it unless stuck in traffic.
Last edited by GRIS; 02-23-2017 at 09:14 AM.
02-25-2017, 08:38 PM
#12
my 87 fan would cycle around 220 degrees. as for the fluids and radiator I never touched em and ran the clock up over 200k miles, but then again she wasn't a garage queen, I drove the wheels off.........
02-26-2017, 01:33 PM
#13
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
you can lfush it use the plain ol green prestone dont need anything fancy
If you keep the stock radiator its not hard to pull the fans off (pulling the radiator even better). Hold it up over your head with some light behind it youll be shocked how plugged itgets between the fins same with the condenser. Blast it over and over with a water hose night and day difference. Being in Fla Id put in a 160 stat, drill a couple small holes on the outer body of it: get those fans coming on sooner ought to be ok. It will still creep up a little on hot days in slow traffic but shouldnt overheat
stock water pump is fine. If you got the coin the DeWitts setup is pretty sweet.
Those stock temps bake everything under the hood. Dont listen to the myths about it running cooler and suddenly wearing out wont happen.
Just dont run it hard when cold (common sense)
If you keep the stock radiator its not hard to pull the fans off (pulling the radiator even better). Hold it up over your head with some light behind it youll be shocked how plugged itgets between the fins same with the condenser. Blast it over and over with a water hose night and day difference. Being in Fla Id put in a 160 stat, drill a couple small holes on the outer body of it: get those fans coming on sooner ought to be ok. It will still creep up a little on hot days in slow traffic but shouldnt overheat
stock water pump is fine. If you got the coin the DeWitts setup is pretty sweet.
Those stock temps bake everything under the hood. Dont listen to the myths about it running cooler and suddenly wearing out wont happen.
Just dont run it hard when cold (common sense)
Last edited by cv67; 02-26-2017 at 01:35 PM.
02-27-2017, 03:07 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
The ambient temperature has less effect on the cooling system than does airflow across the radiator. In other words, any airflow will provide cooling to the system, no matter the ambient temp. So yes when you're not moving much the temp will spike pretty quickly, but it should also come back down pretty quickly when the fans come on at 228F. I usually turn on the AC (which triggers the cooling fans) when the temp hits 220F or thereabout. It only takes a minute for the temp to come down drastically.
Also some good suggestions for cooling system maintenance - take care of these items and you will be surprised how well the stock system works... when there is airflow
Also some good suggestions for cooling system maintenance - take care of these items and you will be surprised how well the stock system works... when there is airflow
Last edited by DGXR; 02-27-2017 at 03:09 PM.
02-27-2017, 08:24 PM
#15
Team Owner
How do you KNOW all this? I don't trust the gauges. Lets look at what the ECM thinks it is seeing and go from there. When it gets hot, pull over immediately and hit the radiator with an infra red thermometer and see whether it is hot at most spots and cold at one. Also, hit the sensor the ECM uses and see if it agrees with what the scanner says the ECM sees.
02-28-2017, 10:53 PM
#16
If it gets to the point you just don't want to deal with the getting hot anymore, DeWitts sells a single core and even a dual core radiator that fixes this, according to all the posts where folks have replaced their radiators with one of DeWitts' radiators.
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Do a search on DeWitts here in the tech forum and spend a bit of time reading.
I bought one of their dual core radiators during their recent sale. My car exhibited the same symptoms as yours and actually got so hot a couple times we turned on the heater (stuck in a traffic jam on the highway in 90+ temps so we were getting the heat from the pavement, the car ahead of us plus our own).
My radiator is also leaking. Discovered this yesterday after I moved it from being stored all winter. Ours is a low mileage car (13K miles) and the factory radiators are just not as good as the replacement ones on the market (regardless of make) as far as longevity is concerned (in my opinion).
Thanks for the info. I want to try and keep as much stock as I can, for a number of reasons but, I also confess that being new to Vettes, the learning curve is there when it comes to quirks, temperament and overall personality.
But I am going to check out DeWitts and again, thanks for the information!
02-28-2017, 10:54 PM
#17
One thing that you have to be aware of Corvettes are the Highways Vacuum Cleaner, So when you feel that your starting to run hot along with Checking the Coolant level & Protection You need to get a Flash Light and drive one side of the car up a curb and lay down if front of car, give a look up in front of Radiator/A/C Condenser make sure your free of leaves shopping bags & Dead Squirrels. Also find a spot were can see between the Rad & A/C (Right side Fan Shroud were A/C Condenser lines come out) make that's not blocked up between them to.
I didn't know this about Vettes and I confess, seem to be learning something new everyday!
Thanks for taking the time to reply and share!
02-28-2017, 11:08 PM
#18
Your temp observations are normal. The thermostat doesn't open until 195F if its stock. Main fan should come on at 228F.
Before summer rolls around, it would be a good idea to remove the radiator shroud and clean the space between the condensor and radiator. It will be full of leaves and garbage.
Of course you can do things like install a better radiator, upgrade the WP, and change the thermostat if you're really bothered by it. You can also have the chip retuned to lower the fan setting. I have done all of these things myself.
Before summer rolls around, it would be a good idea to remove the radiator shroud and clean the space between the condensor and radiator. It will be full of leaves and garbage.
Of course you can do things like install a better radiator, upgrade the WP, and change the thermostat if you're really bothered by it. You can also have the chip retuned to lower the fan setting. I have done all of these things myself.
These things have been added to the list of other items that I want to address - thanks!
02-28-2017, 11:09 PM
#19
I am not, and I admit this quite freely, in a position to pull anything out the car on my own right now. Not about fear but, locale and resources...
Thanks for the input!
02-28-2017, 11:11 PM
#20
It's always a good idea to tell us what year Corvette you have. Some of these suggestions are a bit radical, when there may be nothing wrong with your car! My radiator is original (240,000 miles) and I get almost no junk in the front of my radiator. I do check it occasionally, but I don't have many autumn leaves on my roads. My temperatures stay in the normal range, and my fan cycles on and off when I'm stuck in traffic, just as it should. And it does get warm in SoCal!
Basics are important! Are your fluid levels correct? Do you change your fluids and coolant regularly?
Basics are important! Are your fluid levels correct? Do you change your fluids and coolant regularly?
Sorry for the oversight but, it's a 1987!
I have checked the levels and everything seems in line. And I have had the car almost two and still have some things that need to be addressed.
Thanks for the input!