C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Overheating

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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 04:25 PM
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Default Overheating

I replaced the waterpump in my 87 vert and as of now the car overheats quickly. The fan is not coming on and the radiator cap was cool to touch. Anything I need to do to make this fan come on so the temps don't shoot to 260?
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 04:40 PM
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That doesn't sound right. Have you made sure that the water pump is pumping. Was there an existing problem with the temp. before you replaced it? If the radiator cap is cool that means the water is not circulating. The stat could be sealed closed. Just some ideas.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 04:46 PM
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Did you burp/pack the cooling system?
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 04:51 PM
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Sounds like the thermostat is stuck closed, and you may need to reburp the system.

Check those before proceeding further.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 05:12 PM
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The temps were fine before replacing the waterpump. I was replacing it because it was making noises and the shaft was wearing thin. However the new pump feels hot to touch. I called it quits for now.. but if the t-stat is stuck.. does that mean I need a new one ? How do u go about burping the system ?
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 05:15 PM
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If its the original stat, it should open at 195F. At which point the temperature should hold for several moments as it cycles open and closing. If its not doing that, the stat is bad. Yes, you need new.

Burping is done by removing the rad cap, and leaving it open up to stat-opening temperature. Once its open (if its opening) hold the rpms to 2000, and fill to the top.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 05:19 PM
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That would be odd if its the stat because it was replaced 2 years ago and was fine before I even installed the new waterpump.. but I will go ahead and get a new one.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 05:53 PM
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Odd that the stat would pick this occasion to fail but it sure sounds like it. Words lead me to believe the stat was not disturbed in the H2O swap. Shot in the dark: is the belt on correct? is it possible to put the belt on so the pump turns in the wrong direction? I don't know.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 06:32 PM
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The symptoms sound like a stat, but as said, why at the same time the pump was replaced? Why aren't the sensors triggering the fans? Since it is what you did, could you possibly have installed a standard rotation water pump? At a minimum, it sounds like the cooling system isn't full.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
Shot in the dark: is the belt on correct? is it possible to put the belt on so the pump turns in the wrong direction? I don't know.
I was thinking the same thing. I looked it over and it seems to be on correct. I don't think there is any other way to put it on without putting too much tension on the belt or making it too loose. Either way this new pump is not making noises like my old pump did.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The symptoms sound like a stat, but as said, why at the same time the pump was replaced? Why aren't the sensors triggering the fans? Since it is what you did, could you possibly have installed a standard rotation water pump? At a minimum, it sounds like the cooling system isn't full.

RACE ON!!!
The one I got was... http://www.stewartcomponents.net/Mer...y_Code=ChevyS1

I will be putting a new T-stat in tmw and hopes that cures my problem. Just my luck.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 08:02 PM
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One last thing.. does anyone have a diagram on how the belt goes on so I can double check?
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 87vette
The one I got was... http://www.stewartcomponents.net/Mer...y_Code=ChevyS1

I will be putting a new T-stat in tmw and hopes that cures my problem. Just my luck.
That is the correct pump, if it was packaged correctly. You realize you CAN test a thermostat. Make sure it is truly full this time.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 09:14 PM
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Something is haywire. If all of the above mentioned checks don't solve your problem, you may have a defective water pump.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 09:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Lichen
Something is haywire. If all of the above mentioned checks don't solve your problem, you may have a defective water pump.
I sure hope not ! With all the trouble I went through !
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 10:11 PM
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How long ago did you get the Stewart, its been awhile since they were available, I've been looking at that site regularly for a couple months and only the chrome one has been available.

Stewart would be the last one I expect to fail.
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by vader86
How long ago did you get the Stewart, its been awhile since they were available, I've been looking at that site regularly for a couple months and only the chrome one has been available.

Stewart would be the last one I expect to fail.
I wanted the hand polished version.. I ordered it and then got an email stating it was no longer available. My order was cancelled. I then contacted them directly at their number.. they had the other version available but didnt update their website. I'm sure they still have some available. I recieved it a week ago.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 11:33 AM
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Ok ... I replaced the thermostat on the vette. I put in a 180 degree thermostat. the temps are now around 190. However the fan didnt kick on at all and my coolant overfill tank got sucked dry and I had to pour more coolant inside it. However the Radiator cap has steam coming out of it at this time. I don't know if it was spilled coolant or if this is normal ? I'm going to wait till it cools down a bit before I open the cap. I turned the motor off early because the steam didn't look right to me.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 11:50 AM
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Unless you changed the temp switch it needs to get up around 210 before the fan comes on! And, if you've still got the old thermostat-put
it in some water in a pan on the stove, bring the water near boiling and
watch the thermo-if it opens-you've just replace a working thermostat.

Last edited by rick lambert; Feb 25, 2006 at 11:52 AM.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 12:20 PM
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I just went back out and the temps were fine till it hit 190 and the radiator starts steaming again. I let it run till it hit 225 then turned it off because the fan is still not coming on. What gives ? The radiator cap is hot to touch still. Something isnt right.
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