Keeping our Cool!
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Mesa Arizona
Keeping our Cool!
We have a C3 '76 Stingray L48. We finally got the AC short fixed and it works great, but it causes our engine temp to rise from it's normal 190 range to well over 220 in a very short period of time. No one seems disturbed by this, but I am because the temp keeps rising if we don't turn the AC off. I know the condenser is not in the best spot, but I was wondering if there was anything else we can do to decrease the temps....we should be able to have our air and keep our cool too!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
We have a C3 '76 Stingray L48. We finally got the AC short fixed and it works great, but it causes our engine temp to rise from it's normal 190 range to well over 220 in a very short period of time. No one seems disturbed by this, but I am because the temp keeps rising if we don't turn the AC off. I know the condenser is not in the best spot, but I was wondering if there was anything else we can do to decrease the temps....we should be able to have our air and keep our cool too!
Anyway, there are many threads here that deal with general overheating and I suggest you do a search and you will find common problem areas that can cause this issue. Good luck.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Mesa Arizona
The temp going up a little with the a/c on can be considered normal but yours may be excessive. My '76 would stay at around 200 here in S FL where temps peak at around 95. However, you haven't indicated where you live but if you're in an area with temps of over 100, this could be the culprit.
Anyway, there are many threads here that deal with general overheating and I suggest you do a search and you will find common problem areas that can cause this issue. Good luck.
Anyway, there are many threads here that deal with general overheating and I suggest you do a search and you will find common problem areas that can cause this issue. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
But if you're not convinced there's no problem, check other related threads for overheating problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
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From: Great Plains Iowa
We have a C3 '76 Stingray L48. We finally got the AC short fixed and it works great, but it causes our engine temp to rise from it's normal 190 range to well over 220 in a very short period of time. No one seems disturbed by this, but I am because the temp keeps rising if we don't turn the AC off. I know the condenser is not in the best spot, but I was wondering if there was anything else we can do to decrease the temps....we should be able to have our air and keep our cool too!
Your A/C shouldn't add very much heat to your engine; maybe a few degrees at the most so you may have a failing fan clutch. They make three grades of fan clutches; a standard, a heavy duty, and a severe duty and I always use a severe duty in my hot area. Your fan should stop spinning within about 1 second upon shutting your engine off so if yours spins a lot longer it is in need of replacement.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Your A/C shouldn't add very much heat to your engine; maybe a few degrees at the most so you may have a failing fan clutch. They make three grades of fan clutches; a standard, a heavy duty, and a severe duty and I always use a severe duty in my hot area. Your fan should stop spinning within about 1 second upon shutting your engine off so if yours spins a lot longer it is in need of replacement.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Mesa Arizona
Thanks!
As usual, everyone has proven to be most helpful! Seems to be doing fine now. Checked the fan clutch and even though it is the original clutch, it spins the way it is suppose to. Will be keeping an eye on it and look forward to cooler weather in general! 
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From: KB7TIF Ville NV
There is an add on ring that attaches to the Radiator Shroud for ac thats a factory item, Is that there? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1975-CORVETTE-FAN-SHROUD-EXTENSION-/281685867590?hash=item4195c93c46&vxp=mtr