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Neglected Cooling System

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Old May 9, 2026 | 08:56 AM
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Default Neglected Cooling System

Working on my 94 with the LT1.

Prior owner neglected the cooling system and I’m flushing it with distilled water. I’m not removing the knock sensors as I’m afraid they will break off due to corrosion.

Draining only from the drain **** only gets about 1 1/2 gallons of fluid out. Any tips on getting more out?

Sometimes after refilling the system and bleeding the system, the temperature will not go over 190 no matter how long I let it idle or drive. I can hear a fan or fans running as the temperature gets over 160. Why won’t the temperature get over 190? When this happens, also noticed the hoses don’t get pressurized, but removing the radiator cap after it cools down will give me a hissing sound.
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Old May 9, 2026 | 01:43 PM
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Only way to get it all out is to uninstall the knocks.

Too many outliers with regard to your other question to be taking wild guesses, though, so won't speak on that.

Was gonna ask if you have a 160 degree thermostat, but that wouldn't affect how hot it gets anyway, but rather only when it opens up.


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Old May 9, 2026 | 01:51 PM
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Better than removing the knocks. Need the agitation. Don't need distilled to flush. This method gets all the cooling fluid out. Dan

Shop vac flush works! - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
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Old May 9, 2026 | 02:21 PM
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You can also break the porcelin off the knocks by accident so then the connectors wont properly attach. Ask me how I know! The shop vac method looked interesting but I flushed using a hose then simply refilled several times with Antifreeze to dilute the tap water in there. If your hoses are not pressurizing, maybe your thermostat isn't opening (due to corrosion or another malfunction) or your water pump is shot. I've posted this picture before on the forum but it's a great demonstration of how much rust can accumulate in a neglected cooling system. Keep in mind there was a harbor freight bucket amount of flush in between each water bottle!


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Old May 9, 2026 | 10:52 PM
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We have an 180 degree Failsafe Thermostat installed for 6 months.

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Old May 10, 2026 | 09:22 AM
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Whaleman's shop vac method worked for me.

I think your fans are coming on too early.

Read the sticky Corvettes, Summer, and High coolant Tempertures.
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