C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

68 327 running cold

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 10:43 PM
  #1  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default 68 327 running cold

I havent posted in awhile just like to say i picked up this 68 and a mechanic did a partial get running- driving--going after say possibly sitting for 15-18 years.. since it was outa state i didnt get an opportunity to drive or argue about the price..so i put high octane super in it and noticed tank was new..I also noticed the antifreeze and oil where changed. I replaced a few of the heater hose -ends that were kinked, plus thermostat..180 degree..The car is running at 110-120 deg after
thermostat was replaced.... I turn on heater full boor and was able to warm up cab...but not hot..When radiator cap was off I did not notice much circulation but the level did go down...the motor @ idle sounded fine but when i reeved
engine the right bank had lower compression than the left coming out of tailpipe..there is a diesel noise coming from right bank when under load and say around ,,,a guess... 1500 rpm...I have messed with timing to no avail,, maybe off a tooth? hopefully not a Wrist pin on one cylinder...got out my stethescope,, noisey 130k miles engine.....any ideas appreciated,,, GUMP

Last edited by Gumpy; Feb 14, 2019 at 11:20 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 11:22 PM
  #2  
pltmgr's Avatar
pltmgr
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Running cold I would guess thermostat is bad.
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 11:56 PM
  #3  
BLUE1972's Avatar
BLUE1972
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,220
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
Default

Use a digital thermostat / thermometer and check the temp at the water neck.

Add ZEDD to the oil, C3's love it - quiets the motor and helps keep the cam from wearing.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 12:57 AM
  #4  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

yes i replaced thermostat w/180
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 01:00 AM
  #5  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

used a meat thermometer came up with 120 degrees..im thinking flow problem with radiator....maybe valve hitting piston or pushrod size / any ideas JohnZ pipe in?
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 01:02 AM
  #6  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

I bought some VR1 valvoline...should do the trick! lol
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 06:58 AM
  #7  
Rescue Rogers's Avatar
Rescue Rogers
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,350
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
Default

if the water isnt heating up the thermostat is stuck open. Even if it is new it can be bad. I would pull it and see if it is open or closed. then test it in a pot of water and bring it up to boil.

You can also put a piece of cardboard on the intake side of the radiator to block air flow to see if engine temp increases. If anything is working the radiator is.

I would solve one problem at a time on an unknown engine. Get the temp to normal, then mess with timing. You may end up rebuilding the motor, but worry about that later. If the previous owner ran a sstraight 10/30 that was NOT ZDDP modified the cam could be toast, but again, one thing at a time.

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Feb 15, 2019 at 11:22 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 10:23 AM
  #8  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

you are saying block off at with cardboard at thermostat area on engine block? thx
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 10:23 AM
  #9  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

leave radiaor hose connected? thx
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 10:53 AM
  #10  
Jebbysan's Avatar
Jebbysan
Dr. Detroit
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Default

I would say your right bank "diesel" noise and low pressure is a bad heat riser valve. Replace with heat riser delete spacer.

Jebby
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 11:17 AM
  #11  
Rescue Rogers's Avatar
Rescue Rogers
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,350
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
Default

Take approximately 24 inch square piece of cardboard. Lay it on the outside of the radiator so the fan drawing air through the radiator will suck it onto the radiator. no air flow, no cooling.

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Feb 15, 2019 at 11:20 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 11:48 AM
  #12  
BLUE1972's Avatar
BLUE1972
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,220
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
Default

Suspend the thermostat in a pot of hot water and see where it opens. I agree, many new one are junk..

Rev the engine while looking into the carb - see if both sides of the carb are feeding the engine.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 08:53 PM
  #13  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default update....help appreciated

Jebby you may be right but haven't gotten to that point yet...so i replaced thermostat 195 deg thouroughly cleaned therm housing installed new upper radiator hose the coolant that came out of the driver side of radiator appeared recent...ran the car with cardboard in front of radiator... while alternating between a/c and full heat,,,got it up to 135 degrees ,,,wow!...still think its timing ,,oil,, or heat riser,,,feel free to comment,,,,Steve
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 08:55 PM
  #14  
Jebbysan's Avatar
Jebbysan
Dr. Detroit
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Gumpy
Jebby you may be right but haven't gotten to that point yet...so i replaced thermostat 195 deg thouroughly cleaned therm housing installed new upper radiator hose the coolant that came out of the driver side of radiator appeared recent...ran the car with cardboard in front of radiator... while alternating between a/c and full heat,,,got it up to 135 degrees ,,,wow!...still think its timing ,,oil,, or heat riser,,,feel free to comment,,,,Steve
Have you shot an infrared thermometer at the upper thermostat housing?

Jebby
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 09:01 PM
  #15  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

no Sir,,,havent purchased one...local auto parts store?
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 09:12 PM
  #16  
Jebbysan's Avatar
Jebbysan
Dr. Detroit
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Gumpy
no Sir,,,havent purchased one...local auto parts store?
Maybe....if not,Pearl Harbor Freight has them....

Jebby
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2019 | 09:49 PM
  #17  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

You need to take Jebby's concern seriously. If the heat riser valve is CLOSED on the right bank, that head is OVERHEATING regardless of what the water temp is doing. You can crack a head, blow a gasket, whatever if the heat riser valve is shut when the engine is running.

I know of no way the engine can run that cold IF the thermostat valve is closed....which it should be, until it gets warmed up. Whatever you are using to measure engine temp is in error.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 68 327 running cold

Old Feb 16, 2019 | 12:24 PM
  #18  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
You need to take Jebby's concern seriously. If the heat riser valve is CLOSED on the right bank, that head is OVERHEATING regardless of what the water temp is doing. You can crack a head, blow a gasket, whatever if the heat riser valve is shut when the engine is running.

I know of no way the engine can run that cold IF the thermostat valve is closed....which it should be, until it gets warmed up. Whatever you are using to measure engine temp is in error.



Thankyou i do take it serious and will pickup an infared today,,,had a death in family last night but iShall keep try trying to remedy this inconvience...which is always a challenge....thankyou for your input LT1vette!!!!~
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2019 | 06:01 PM
  #19  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

Just wanted you to recognize that engine damage can occur, if the valve is frozen shut.
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2019 | 07:01 PM
  #20  
Gumpy's Avatar
Gumpy
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: petaluma california
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
Just wanted you to recognize that engine damage can occur, if the valve is frozen shut.
yes sir gona check it out either mon or tuesday
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:39 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE