Running hot
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Running hot
I just purchased a 1988 Vette that has a new radiator, hoses, etc. Running the car on the interstate yesterday (Las Vegas temperature of 110 degrees) the coolant temperature ran between 230 to 240 degrees. The car did not overheat but I know that the normal temperature in between 190 and 220 degrees. Fans are working and everything is new. Previous owner stated that the car runs hot. My question is, is this normal or is there something that I can replace on the car to get it to run at normal temperature?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
I'm not sure why GM programmed the ECM. to turn on the fans in the 220deg mark. Check. the obvious. coolant air pocket? Check for leaves and other debris. Clogging up the radiator fins. Due to the vacuum effect. funneling air straight into the pocket.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Jun 23, 2016 at 04:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 286
Fans have no effect at highway speeds.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I just purchased a 1988 Vette that has a new radiator, hoses, etc. Running the car on the interstate yesterday (Las Vegas temperature of 110 degrees) the coolant temperature ran between 230 to 240 degrees. The car did not overheat but I know that the normal temperature in between 190 and 220 degrees. Fans are working and everything is new. Previous owner stated that the car runs hot. My question is, is this normal or is there something that I can replace on the car to get it to run at normal temperature?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 48
From: Henderson Nevada
For reference, also in Vegas, I was running my '94 (original radiator) on the interstate for a long run back and forth across town the day before yesterday when it was 115. Settled around 210-215 at speed. Shot up to 230 in stop and go but fan kept it in check. Oh, and my ac is flat so I wasnt running that fan. Yeah it was rough haha.
Surface temps here can get ridiculous, and these are bottom breathers. But just do as the others suggested.
Surface temps here can get ridiculous, and these are bottom breathers. But just do as the others suggested.
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Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 8
From: Shortsville NY
There might be an air pocket in the system. Some shops have a tool that pushes coolant through the entire system to fill it. See if you can have it serviced this way. Compared to just filling the system up and trying to burp it. I would also recommend a lower deg. thermostat.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
Likes: 2,741
I just purchased a 1988 Vette that has a new radiator, hoses, etc. Running the car on the interstate yesterday (Las Vegas temperature of 110 degrees) the coolant temperature ran between 230 to 240 degrees. The car did not overheat but I know that the normal temperature in between 190 and 220 degrees. Fans are working and everything is new. Previous owner stated that the car runs hot. My question is, is this normal or is there something that I can replace on the car to get it to run at normal temperature?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Running hot
I checked for debris and all is clear.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
For reference, also in Vegas, I was running my '94 (original radiator) on the interstate for a long run back and forth across town the day before yesterday when it was 115. Settled around 210-215 at speed. Shot up to 230 in stop and go but fan kept it in check. Oh, and my ac is flat so I wasnt running that fan. Yeah it was rough haha.
Surface temps here can get ridiculous, and these are bottom breathers. But just do as the others suggested.
Surface temps here can get ridiculous, and these are bottom breathers. But just do as the others suggested.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Interstate run was about 15 miles one way. The car had the chance to cool down at work for about an hour then I took it back the same route. Still running about 230 degrees
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
Likes: 2,741
If you are trying to use the analog gauge, that thing is about worthless.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
Likes: 2,741
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 286
So what you guys are trying to say is that he should have a scanner hooked up when its running hot to compare the readings between the ECT sensor & the gauge? That's what I do when I suspect a stuck open t-stat is causing no heat in the winter.