Over heating and frustrated
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Joined: Sep 2019
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From: Pottstown, PA
Over heating and frustrated
1980 4sp
Okay so driving home from Carlisle
I was running hot every time I got over 2500 rpm. If I keep it below that temp would climb but not in the red. Stopped at one of the rest areas to let it cool down. Well 5 miles from my exit the water pump blew up. Ball bearings all over my engine compartment.
no big deal. Replaced the water pump, fan clutch and belts. Took it for a drive and temp climbed again at highway, over 55 mph or 2500 rpm. Cool on the country roads but hot at high speeds. After reading a ton of forum posts I decided to replace the thermostat, radiator cap and both upper and lower radiator hoses as well as flush the system.
took her for a spin. Same damn thing. I’m at a lost. I even sprayed out the radiator, which is only 4 years old.
im at a loss. Any ideas?
Okay so driving home from Carlisle
I was running hot every time I got over 2500 rpm. If I keep it below that temp would climb but not in the red. Stopped at one of the rest areas to let it cool down. Well 5 miles from my exit the water pump blew up. Ball bearings all over my engine compartment.
no big deal. Replaced the water pump, fan clutch and belts. Took it for a drive and temp climbed again at highway, over 55 mph or 2500 rpm. Cool on the country roads but hot at high speeds. After reading a ton of forum posts I decided to replace the thermostat, radiator cap and both upper and lower radiator hoses as well as flush the system.
took her for a spin. Same damn thing. I’m at a lost. I even sprayed out the radiator, which is only 4 years old.
im at a loss. Any ideas?
Last edited by Nucedog01; Sep 25, 2021 at 04:51 PM.
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From: Virginia
If the lower radiator hose collapsed, that probably did your water pump no favors.
I'd look at timing, too, and get your cap tested, but lower spring is most likely.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2019
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From: Pottstown, PA
yes spoiler extension
the old hose had a spring in it. It’s broken in about three pcs. The one I got from rock auto did it have spring in it. I kept the three pieces of spring from the original hose. Should I try to install that in the new one???
the old hose had a spring in it. It’s broken in about three pcs. The one I got from rock auto did it have spring in it. I kept the three pieces of spring from the original hose. Should I try to install that in the new one???
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From: Virginia
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses.
BE CAREFUL that the radiator doesnt spew out boiling coolant as the engine warms up. Add water to the radiator as needed.....this process could take 15-20 minutes to purge trapped air.
I actually inserted a running hose into the radiator to prevent the radiator from belching boiling coolant.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Broken spring wasn't doing its job in that lower hose. The hose collapsed at higher RPM because of higher negative (suction) pressures at the pump inlet. Closed off hose---greatly reduced coolant flow to the radiator. Classic overheating example. You MUST put a proper spring in the 'new' lower hose or you will get the same results. In fact, without any spring, the problem will be worse.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
However, EBay had one. Says all GM 1955-1988 for $25. Its way too long but that's an easy fix. My concern would be if a universal spring would fit inside your lower Rad hose. So the diameter issue would have to be asked to the seller.
Do not use one of those springs that fits on the outside of the Rad hose. Not the same concept.
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From: Pottstown, PA
if a spring is so important, why don’t they come in the hose already???? I’m not questioning anyone expertise, just questioning in general!
I will find one and throw it in.
thanks for all your replies.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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this statement is kind of garbled. If you ran the hose without the spring, that is the reasn why you are overheating. Or atleast one of them. The fan has nothing to do with cooling your car on the highway. ITs all air flow through the radiator and motor. If your hose is collapsed from the lack of sring, then there is no water in it and thats why you blew up the last pump. the water helps lubricate and cool it. Also if you have been draining everything form the radiator you should drain it from the 2 drain plugs at the bottom of your motor and see if it comes out all rusty and cruddy. If so you should use a radiator flush to flush out the engine
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 9,354
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
because they can charge you another 10-25 bucks for a special spring
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
Why don't the new hoses come with a new spring?
Its one of the great mysteries of C3s:
Why is the heater core control vacuum?
Why is the PS cap so hard to remove?
Why does the clock only work twice a day?
Why does the hood release cable snap at the worst time?
Among others . . .
Its one of the great mysteries of C3s:
Why is the heater core control vacuum?
Why is the PS cap so hard to remove?
Why does the clock only work twice a day?
Why does the hood release cable snap at the worst time?
Among others . . .
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Sep 26, 2021 at 04:37 PM.
Melting Slicks
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From: Central UT
Hey Nucedog, you've received some great advise above. Spring for sure. Making certain the block and radiator are flushed for sure. I would add this: can you check the fan clutch (I know you replaced it) to see if it has the right resistance when it's cold/hot? Do you have the correct shroud in place? Do you have all the shroud seals in place (this is really important. All the air possible needs to be 'pulled' through the radiator. If you're missing seals, the air will be like water - it will go around the easiest way possible, like around your radiator and not through it). If you do the items noted from all the helpful forum members, and this stuff, you'll solve or find the issue. Let us know. Best, Paul