Unusual Problem with running hot
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Florida, USA fl
Unusual Problem with running hot
Recently I had my left fan motor replaced, my radiator cored (cleaned) and a 160 degree thermostat installed. The car runs fine around town. Recently, however, at highway speeds, the temp goes up to 120 when it used to hover around 200! 
I am at a loss. Could I have a bad thermostat?
I am at a loss. Could I have a bad thermostat?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 379
Likes: 170
From: Buffalo Grove IL
Possibly, but wow, 120 degrees is pretty low. Are the temperatures around town pretty much what you'd expect? Even with a 160 degree thermostat, I'd still expect the car to get past 200 pretty easily when stopped in traffic.
Ben
Ben
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 336
Likes: 3
From: State of Confusion
Maybe, but not likely.
It could be a failed t-stat, but it should run cooler on the highway than it does in town. When I bought my '90 it had a blown A/C condenser and that caused problems, but around town. Highway was fine. It doesn't make any sense that it's running hotter on the highway. Also check and see if you've got air entrained in the cooling system. That's a strange one, best of luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
I asume you ment 220. If the car runs fine in town and gets hotter on the Hwy then I would take a good hard look at the front valence. Those little spoiler looking things are very important and a much needed part of the cooling system
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Marianna FL
where did u buy the 160 thermostat? i ask for 1 from local part stores and they are not the right 1. not sure what year your vette is but if it is 92 or newer and you bought the thermostat from a parts store i know you got the wrong 1 in there. hope this helps
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee WI
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: The Motor City
Originally Posted by Cashmo
I swapped out the 180deg tstat I was running for a 160deg tstat this summer. Now that I've read that article, I'm thinkin' I'll pull the 160 and put the 180 back in.
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