I came across a really nice fix for overheating problems in the C4's. I got this really simple switch from Mid America Corvette. It installs with a simple on/off switch that grounds the main fan relay wires to the electric fans. Took me about an hour and now when the temp starts to creep up, I just flip the switch and watch the temp go back down. This allows me to supercede the factory fan switch before the engine gets too hot. Cost me 12 bucks for the switch and an hour of my time. Well worth it if your vette is getting too hot before the main fans kick in. Hope this helps someone else.

 

What temp are you calling "too" hot?

 

 

There's a built-in switch that comes stock with your Vette. Its called the A/C (air condictioner) switch.

 

You beat me to it Also the defrost will turn the fan on (I believe)

 

Was expecting a pic of a pile of leaves, plastic bags, paper, dead bird, etc.

 

Basically, my fans never did come on as I suspect the relay is bad too. But the factory settings I believe are 220 degrees on and 185 off. I just think 220 is too high and b/c the fans weren't coming on, the temp surpassed that mark. The switch was the quickest fix and it works. And yes, turning on the A/C or defrost also makes the fans come on, which they did. I just didn't want to engage the a/c every time the temp rose too much. Hope this helps to clarify the questions. I could have installed a new CFS switch that goes into the side of the block between cylinders 2-3 and this would have made the fans work automatically on at 220 and off at 185. It was just going to be a big and "tricky" job removing the water jacket plug. This was just easier.

 

My .02 - the manual switch is preferable to the "AC on" method because the switch does not make the engine drive the compressor. Not a big deal, I'm sure, but it does affect mileage and 'oomph' a little. I really want all the HP going toward motivation.

The only downside for me would be remembering to turn the manual switch back off when not needed. Good job, CorvetteIII.

 

If you are truely overheating, then this will not be a solution, just a band-aid. If you are overheating then you need to find the reason why you are, for example, clogged radiator, stuck thermostat, low coolant, etc, etc.
I dont think the general would set the thermostat's on a properly functioning Vette to come on at too high a temp.

If this is just to obtain lower coolant temps for intown and slow driving (Cruising), or to cool the engine after a hard run at the track...no problem!

 

B.

 

Your missing his point. He knows all this stuff. So do I. "He" doesn't like his car hitting 220. Neither do I. I'll be adding the switch to mine.
On the "general wouldn't...blah blah" thing its a moot point. Corvettes run that hot for emissions reasons. Everyones overheating now because they were built on the edge. I'll be bringing my temps down too. No wonder everyones changing head gaskets.

 

I don't think they were missing the point. Lot's of people add these switches, some just leave them in the on position and forget about it. And your right the engine is designed to run at these temps to be operating efficiently.

Sitting in traffic and watching the temps climb from upper 190's to 220-230 can be nerve racking for some, I'm guilty of it myself as I'd prefer the engine operating 198 all the time. That said, there is nothing wrong with the engine doing this and if the entire components of the cooling system are functioning as designed you should not see it get any hotter than about 231. That is still 30 degrees from 260 redline.

What the folks were suggesting is if there is a true and the important word is true cooling problem just putting a relay ground bypass is not solving the problem. If it is nothing more than being worried or irriated watching the temp come up 20 degrees while idling in traffic then that is another story.

If systems aren't working correctly then one should investigate the problem and repair it.

I run mine in the AC Auto mode all the time whether it's hot, cold outside, top out top in doesn't matter. I let the system take care of itself. Sure in mid summer here in Florida it can get a little unnerving watching those temps climb in trafffic but it also gives me the opportunity to monitor that the systems are operating normally. It runs normally 198-205, if I have a long hot stop then it comes up with it gets close to 228 the secondary comes on I watch the temps stabilize and come down a degree or two. Once I return air flow I monitor the temps returning to the low end of normal.

Another alternative to ensure an even more efficient cooling system is to replace the radiator with an all aluminum model with double tubing. You increased cooling surfaces and no plastic ends on the radiator where the epoxy could fail.

 

I make it a habit to re-engineer every vehicle that I own. Those goofballs that design these vehicles don't know what they are doing.

 

Eh...what did I misunderstand???



Oh yeh...FYI....I ALREADY have one installed....!

 

How about a 160 sat, and a simple tune and they can adjust your fans to come on at 190, had this done about two weeks ago and my 96 LT4 never goes over 200. My 02

 

I bought one for my 87 a few years back and it is great, especially in LA traffic now

 

Don't believe you can adjust fan on/off parameters on the '93, '95 was the year of the programmable ECM. I think '94 was half and half.

 

Just installed a new 180 stat, checking the antifreeze etc. and all is well on that end. I just get a little jumpy watching the temps creep up. So I guess this is just a little insurance for me knowing I can control what's going on under the hood.
Good answers to this question. Lots of feedback is good and may help others too. Thanks everyone!