Overheating........kind of
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis MN
Overheating........kind of
My first post on the corvette forum! I have been on here reading quite a bit and finally decided to register. What a great resource for corevette owners. Anyway here is my problem......I am not sure what exactly is causing it, but I have a problem with the radiator fluid boiling out into the overflow and proceeding onto the ground. The temps run about 200 degrees, which is warm, but never exceeds that. The antifreeze usually doesn't boil out until the car is stopped and the ignition is turned off. Within a minute you can here the antifreeze pouring onto the ground. Is it something simple like a radiator cap not holding pressure? I do seem to have some build up inside the radiator. Maybe it is plugged and needs to be flushed. Someone set me straight.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Overheating........kind of (white76)
Welcome to the forum. First, I would change the thermostadt and put a 160 degree one in. Inexpensive and easy to do. I would bet this is your problem, stuck one on side or the other.
[Modified by 82dukman, 10:06 PM 7/17/2002]
[Modified by 82dukman, 10:06 PM 7/17/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 1
Re: Overheating........kind of (white76)
Welcome. Might be the cap, but does the overflow hold fluid at the "hot" mark or is it possibly cracked. Or are you describing the coolant expanding more then the volume of the overflow tank between the cold and hot mark.
I know mine varies about an inch between it's cold level versus it's hot and I run about 205 this time of year highway driving. Another thing to check is the overflow hose itself, make sure it's intact between the radiator and overflow tank. Hope that helps.
Scott
I know mine varies about an inch between it's cold level versus it's hot and I run about 205 this time of year highway driving. Another thing to check is the overflow hose itself, make sure it's intact between the radiator and overflow tank. Hope that helps.
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: Overheating........kind of (white76)
When your engine is cold, the fluid should be at the "Cold" mark in the bottle. Anything above that and some of it is going to come out the top of the bottle (been there, done that). :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 2
From: York PA
Re: Overheating........kind of (page62)
When your engine is cold, the fluid should be at the "Cold" mark in the bottle. Anything above that and some of it is going to come out the top of the bottle (been there, done that). :smash:
Also check for cracks in the tank and tubing
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Overheating........kind of (stickboy)
I had this problem couple of summers ago. The cap was ok (replaced to be sure!) but the lip on the aluminum overflow tank had become worn/dinged and was preventing a perfect seal, thus my system wasn't properly pressurized. I fixed it with my usual skill (pair of pliers) and car hasn't puked since!! :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Overheating........kind of (68shark)
Glad to have you here with us. I would agree with what has already been said. If the radiator cap is old I suggest replacing it and the thermostat. As you said, flushing the radiator is a good idea also. How is your fan clutch? If it is leaking and throwing oil on the fan, it probably isn't working too well anymore.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
Re: Overheating........kind of (white76)
Welcome!
I had same problem about a month ago after swapping heads. Changed radiator cap, pull thermostat and tested it (fine) and then filled up the block up to the thermostat with water and put it all back together. No problems since. I think part of my problem was the water in the block. Must've had some air pockets.
good luck!
-terry
I had same problem about a month ago after swapping heads. Changed radiator cap, pull thermostat and tested it (fine) and then filled up the block up to the thermostat with water and put it all back together. No problems since. I think part of my problem was the water in the block. Must've had some air pockets.
good luck!
-terry
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis MN
Re: Overheating........kind of (white76)
Thanks for the info guys. You have pretty much reinforced what I thought. I think I will start with a new radiator cap. By the way, no thermostat. Is there any harm in not having one? Also, I remember someone on the forum stating that summit offer a griffin aluminu radiator for $185. Is this a misprint? Most of them that I have seen are about $500. I will let you know when I finally figure out what is wrong with the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Ok
Re: Overheating........kind of (paul79)
Jon, I thought that was crazy low for a price too so I checked it out on Summits web site, yep, $185 for an aluminum radiator. I paid $225 for a copper cheapo replacement at O'Reilly's 2 years ago. I was cheesed.
