overheating problem
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 307
Likes: 19
From: Kirkland WA
I prefer to start looking at the simplest things first. They can be most likely to fail. Check the radiator cap under pressure. A weak spring inside the cap the will cause coolant loss through the overflow or expansion tank. Caps must seal around the top lip on the radiator neck and hold vacuum as well, otherwise coolant will never be recovered from the overflow tank. If the system can’t hold pressure, coolant will boil in the cylinder head and next to the cylinder walls, forming vapor bubbles, and the engine will quickly overheat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,720
Likes: 106
From: Canada
I was at a Corvette Club of Ontario engine cooling systems workshop last Sat with Ray Bohacz sponsored by Evans. He ageed with the above post and start with the simple things first. Check the pressure release cap, instal a high quality thermostat eg. Stewart, check hoses and check the state of your antifreeze - not whether it is full but use a test strip to make sure that it is still good. He talked about the difference btn todays waterpumps and mktg hype many use re: high flow. If you do not have an IR heat reading gun get one. After the session I'll be replacing the current 50/50 (antifreeze/water) with the Evans which uses no water. We also now know what to look for in a good radiator and unlike somethings in life the bigger is not always better
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 307
Likes: 19
From: Kirkland WA
Of course sometimes I can outsmart myself. On first startup with the new 385 I installed a brand new 18lb vented radiator cap so I could burp the system and reduce the chance of overheating with my new power plant.
That was the first time I ever had a leak at the heater core. In retrospect, maybe the 18lb cap wasn't the brightest idea.
That was the first time I ever had a leak at the heater core. In retrospect, maybe the 18lb cap wasn't the brightest idea.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
cooling air should always come from the front of the car via grill or underneath as our C3s do, through the radiator to the engine hopefully helping cool the exhaust and the exiting the vents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Of course you can't confirm it, you have no experience with a DeWitt. Plain truth is an aluminum radiator has more fins per inch than a brass radiator and cools better, DeWitt's seems to have it figured out, call them up they're happy to school you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 271
From: Dunedin NZ.
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 735
Likes: 174
From: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Confirm the lower radiator hose has a coil spring in it. The water pump can and will suck the lower hose closed, that's what the spring prevents.
Wouldn't be the first time a lower hose was shipped without one.
Someone has already mentioned, check the simple stuff first.
Wouldn't be the first time a lower hose was shipped without one.
Someone has already mentioned, check the simple stuff first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Confirm the lower radiator hose has a coil spring in it. The water pump can and will suck the lower hose closed, that's what the spring prevents.
Wouldn't be the first time a lower hose was shipped without one.
Someone has already mentioned, check the simple stuff first.
Wouldn't be the first time a lower hose was shipped without one.
Someone has already mentioned, check the simple stuff first.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
this is how to stop it ... read this thread ... in the last year or so the forum began this "related thread/topic" feature that scrolls right at bottom...
... you'll be looking at a current thread & without much notice ... you'll be into something ten years old.
read the thread ... then change a few settings ... and it won't trick you into this anymore.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...the-forum.html
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,036
Likes: 9,158
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I had to do that. It was a hassle getting sent to old threads