When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I bought a '92 coupe about three weeks ago and it is my first vette. When left idling, even in cooler weather (55 degrees), the temperature slowly rises until the fan comes on at 227*F. I haven't had the opportunity to just let it sit to see if the temperature begins dropping when the fan comes on, but it worries me that it goes up that high under little to no load (no A/C) and in relatively cool temperatures. Makes me wonder how she's going to handle the heat and humidity around here this summer. The radiator appears to be clear of debris, dirt, etc, the antifreeze is bright green, and the water pump doesn't leak. Is it normal for a C4 to do that? The last thing I want to do is overheat the engine and do serious damage. Thanks.
Yes, that is the correct temp for the fan to start.
Your C4 is like a big vacuum and tends to suck small pebbles, grass, plastic bags, etc into the air conditioner condenser and radiator opening.
I used compressed air from the back of the radiator and condenser and removed a dust pan full of debris which helped my car run considerably cooler in traffic.
Most don't like it, but that is the way it was designed.
If your cooling system is in good shape, it will sit and idle like that all day.
It will get up to about 230-235 then drop down to 218-227 range, and the cycle will repeat.
Remember, sitting at idle without the cooling fan running there is no air being forced across the radiator cooling fins.
With the proper coolant mixture and pressure cap, the car won't actually overheat until the temps reach close to 260° F.