Do I have a problem????
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 618
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From: Kingston Springs Tn
Do I have a problem????
Today it was 87 degrees and I had the air on max. The analog gauge slowly went to 260 but the digital went to about 250 all when sitting still. When driving the digital reads 215. Both my fans come on with a/c like they should. It seems to run hotter with a/c on....why would that be?? I am really stumped here and would like to know what other people's temps are.....Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Mine generally runs around 200 degrees and I would still like mine lower. You're running way too hot. Check out your engine coolant condition and level and check for debris stuck to the front of your radiator. Check to make sure your water pump is not leaking or not operating properly. Remove the radiator shroud under the air filter housing because you can't get all the debris out from the bottom.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
don't forget to check your radiator cap, they can cause alot of trouble when they go bad.
I would think 250 would be to high. Not sure what stock operating temps are, but I'm always between 177-187.
I would think 250 would be to high. Not sure what stock operating temps are, but I'm always between 177-187.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Today it was 87 degrees and I had the air on max. The analog gauge slowly went to 260 but the digital went to about 250 all when sitting still. When driving the digital reads 215. Both my fans come on with a/c like they should. It seems to run hotter with a/c on....why would that be?? I am really stumped here and would like to know what other people's temps are.....Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
This is too hot. No matter how hot it is out even if I am just sitting in traffic, turning on the AC and having those 2 fan running should bring you down. My 95 generally runs around 198 - 205 bit it has gone as high as 220.
Here is a dumb question . any chance that the thermostat is not opening all the way and thus only allowing you a little bit of circulation to the radiator?
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill North Carolina
You should certainly check all the suggestions noted by other contributors but I would caution you about doing much driving with a temp of 250. Chev dealer told me that temp might normally fluctuate between 190 and 225 but caution about consistent temps above 230. I just replaced a blown head gasket on a 1988 at a handsome price. Blown head gasket or cracked head is the worst case that leads to overheating problems. If you cannot solve overheating problem by addressing logical problems (radiator, radiator cap, temp fan relays, temp sensors, etc), then I suggest you trot on down to a dealer or realiable mechanic who can check for head problems. They can check if cylinder holds compression or, even better, check the acidity of the coolant. If exhaust gas gets into coolant then it becomes acidic and can be detected by testing coolant with some special solution. Good luck!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Port Saint Lucie Florida
I Would go to advanced and purchase their gold series thermostat with the lifetime warranty for 30 bucks put that in takes about 10 minutes fill both your tanks and run the car till the temperature reads 185. shut the car off and open the valve near the hose connector on the top of the water pump make sure to get all the air out. start the car again and repeat till the girgling sound stops. Any air will seriously damage cooling systems. the lt1 fans turn on at 228 which is very high so i put the eckler bypass that turns the fans on at 195. Go from there and see what you get.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 618
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From: Kingston Springs Tn
Update!!
Last night I replaced thermostat and cap. Today while driving around town it ran about 232 and once got to244. Driving down the interstate it runs about 211. Having fans on didn't seem to help, but when I turned on the heat the temp went down quickly!!!!! Whats next...water pump????
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 2
From: Dumas Arkansas
Sounds like the thermostat. I used to average around 207-212 with the old thermostat and since replacing it it pretty much stays on 193. Did you look between the radiator and the condenser for debris? There’s a post around here somewhere that shows this guys blower motor was full of pet hair, leaves, sticks, etc. Pull your blower motor out and look up in there then stick a water hose to flush it out. Might as well flush the radiator too as well as the two knock sensors for a full flush. Get a 180 stat and be done with it.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Last night I replaced thermostat and cap. Today while driving around town it ran about 232 and once got to244. Driving down the interstate it runs about 211. Having fans on didn't seem to help, but when I turned on the heat the temp went down quickly!!!!! Whats next...water pump????
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
From: Kingston Springs Tn
I just this minute looked between the rad and condensor and it is almost half blocked with oily looking dirt almost 1/4 inch thick......whats the best way to clean this? Do I pull the radiator top cover, if so how??
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Problem solved, almost. When your engine is cool remove your radiator shroud and first remove any large pieces of debris with your hand. Next I'd hit it with water from your hose. If that doesn't work you are going to have to drain your coolant and remove your radiator and condensor if it is also coated. Get a brush but not too firm that it will damage your radiator fins. Try to scrub the stuff out with some soap and water. If you can't get it out without damaging the fins I would just replace the radiator and condensor if necessary.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 3
From: Maine
For maintenance purposes, while you are in there you may want to consider replacing your upper and lower radiator hoses, the top one especially is prone to bursting when it gets old and they are pretty cheap.
