Is there a way to see if the thermostat in the '94 Corvette IS operating
properly while it is still in the vehicle? THANKS

 

You are asking because your car is starting to see some high temps here in the summer months???

Spoiler Your cooling system needs to be properly serviced, The chances that the Thermostat is not opening all the way...even at 200°-210° is hardly possible

 

That's just it, The temps seem to be about the same all the time — unless the car is idling in the heat — then there's a rise in the temp.
I'm mainly just curious though. AND NOT LOOKING FOR TROUBLE.

 

^^LOL....it's all good....

I'd be more interested in pulling the shroud off the top of the radiator and seeing how much debris you have sucked up in between the radiator and condenser.

Secondly, since you pulled the shroud, go ahead and disconnect the lower hose and yank the rad upwards.....now take it and have it boiled out.

before you put the shroud back.....cut all the hose holes and make them slots....that way you can take the shroud off and inspect for debris very easily

 

What temps are you getting to?

 

To answer your original Q; You'll need to drain the coolant and remove the t-stat. Place it in a pot of water with a thermometer in it and bring it up to temp. You'll see it opening if it's operating properly.

 

 

Instead of dirtying a pan, just buy a new one, one of the cheapest replacement parts. Make sure it is a "Fail open" type.

 

 

Why are you guys even talking about the thermostat???

He already confirmed that he is seeing higher temps. After the countless thousands of post about the 'real' issues with a C4 cooling system, why are we talking about the lowly Thermostat? The Stat is the "least" likely of his troubles yet so attractive to address first do to low cost and ease of replacement.

c'mon guys stay on the light side...I know the dark side is calling. I guess we could go down the path of telling him to get a "big mouth" and water wetter and pills that you drop into the tank......don't forget to rewire the fans adding a micro switch in the cabin.

OP, before you go down a dark and regretful path, just look at it this way, that system is aging and needs some attention. If you can change a T-stat on your own, then, you have the skills to pull a radiator.

Take the shroud off the top of the radiator and have it "boiled out". The bottom portion of that thing is full of ~20 years of sediment. Losing any percentage of heat exchange could be a problem.

Then take the time to really examine the water pump. What are you looking for?? Other than rusty dried water trails from the weep hole not much. I'm just thinking ahead at that old pump and how much longer it has.......I hate pulling parts "just because" but since you are seeing a poor performance from the cooling system it has gone beyond "just because"

Of course when you pull the radiator all the Debris in between it and the condenser will now be cleaned....might as well power flush the block and get two new hoses while you are at it.

 

I would agree fully if I had not purchased thermostats in the past that turned out DOA out of the box. And yes, I have a failsafe stat in mine now



Because that was his original question??

Actually he asked how to check if it's operating while on the vehicle. I suppose you could go check the lower rad hose for pressure right about the time your temp gauge reads 180. Or whatever stat you've installed. Or use a laser temp gauge.