overheating problem in my c3
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 1
From: Hill AFB area Utah
Have you looked at the timing ? too much can cause overheating issues if this just cropped up you have a blockage somewhere in the system
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
What fan are you running?
Just a few quick thoughts - one guy on another forum had problems with overheating because his engine builder put the wrong head gaskets on, 400 on a 350 or vice-versa. Also I'm not a believer in the electric fans, lots of people have had trouble with them. I run a direct fan on the waterpump, Stewart waterpump and Stewart drilled thermostat (160), original type brass 4-core radiator and the temperature never gets over 180 even climbing a hill on a 95 degree day.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I just bought the car about 4 months ago...owner who did most of the mods passed on most receipts but not all info is there. I was under the understanding that if the head gasket was blown the car would overheat quickly...is this not true?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
A head gasket can "blow" in many different ways, depending on what gasket junction is "lost". Overheating is not one of the primary faults of a blown head gasket...but it can happen.
You need to verify that the temp gauge in your car is showing you the "actual" temperature. It is very possible to get a replacement temp sender and have the gauge read 50* +/- (or more!). Don't go chasing a problem that isn't really a problem.
Many auto parts stores will have an IR temp gun that they can use to take a reading from your intake manifold and heads. If those readings agree with your gauge, continue to search for the problem. Otherwise, fix your [high reading] temp gauge and stop worrying.
P.S. The idea expressed above on someone installing the wrong head gaskets is a distinct possibility if you really are overheating and you can't find another reason. By the way, have you taken time to use some radiator cleaner to get the old lime deposits out of your radiator? If not, that is something you should do.
You need to verify that the temp gauge in your car is showing you the "actual" temperature. It is very possible to get a replacement temp sender and have the gauge read 50* +/- (or more!). Don't go chasing a problem that isn't really a problem.
Many auto parts stores will have an IR temp gun that they can use to take a reading from your intake manifold and heads. If those readings agree with your gauge, continue to search for the problem. Otherwise, fix your [high reading] temp gauge and stop worrying.
P.S. The idea expressed above on someone installing the wrong head gaskets is a distinct possibility if you really are overheating and you can't find another reason. By the way, have you taken time to use some radiator cleaner to get the old lime deposits out of your radiator? If not, that is something you should do.
