Corvette Temp. (L98)
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Torrington CT
Corvette Temp. (L98)
I own a Late 86 corvette I bought it a week ago but the oil temp has been running around 230-240 deg. What temp does your corvettes run at. If mine is high could any one tell me how to lower it.
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
That does look to be a little high. My early 86 runs at 180* and none over. I have a 180* thermostat installed. Not enough coolant, leak in coolant system, trash blocking radiator venting, low oil, stuck thermostat, air in system, and fan not working are some of the causes of overheating. If it were a LT1 I would say its not uncommon to see those numbers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,399
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From: Lakeville MI
Without cooling system mods it is normal to see 220 - 230 degree coolant temps on L98s, especially idling in traffic.
The Main fan won't turn on until over 220, the Aux fan even higher, 230-235. I would expect the oil temp to be slightly higher than the coolant temp.
This is why many install lower temp aux fan switches and modify the ecm programming to turn the main fans on earlier. Lower temp thermostats are popular, but are also the topic of nearly endless debate.
The Main fan won't turn on until over 220, the Aux fan even higher, 230-235. I would expect the oil temp to be slightly higher than the coolant temp.
This is why many install lower temp aux fan switches and modify the ecm programming to turn the main fans on earlier. Lower temp thermostats are popular, but are also the topic of nearly endless debate.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
My fan cuts on at 180* and my temps never run over 180 without any chip programming. I believe the stock thermostat for a L98 is 195*, so your temps are getting high! I would replace the thermostat if I were you, then go from there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,399
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From: Lakeville MI
The fan on temp programmed into several 86 bin files I have seen is 107.75 C or 225.95 F. (broadast code (bcc) BUA, AANM, AANL, etc. but there were lots of possible bccs in 86, and I admit I haven't checked them all).
If your fan is coming on at 180 F, it would appear that something has been modified in either the chip, or a low temp fan switch has been installed. The low temp switch could also be easily wired to control the main fan.
I did this myself years ago before I got into the ecm programming.
These cars had a factory oil cooler for a reason. With 195 degree thermostats and high fan settings, they were set up to run very hot. Good for thermal efficiency and fuel economy, not so good for performance.
If your fan is coming on at 180 F, it would appear that something has been modified in either the chip, or a low temp fan switch has been installed. The low temp switch could also be easily wired to control the main fan.
I did this myself years ago before I got into the ecm programming.
These cars had a factory oil cooler for a reason. With 195 degree thermostats and high fan settings, they were set up to run very hot. Good for thermal efficiency and fuel economy, not so good for performance.
Last edited by tequilaboy; May 18, 2006 at 11:19 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: I live at www.domesticlugnuts.com I sleep in PA
Originally Posted by corvette_crimson
I own a Late 86 corvette I bought it a week ago but the oil temp has been running around 230-240 deg. What temp does your corvettes run at. If mine is high could any one tell me how to lower it.
Thanks
Thanks
What is your coolant temp?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: rowlett tx
Definately not bad for oil temp, but i cant say thats its normal either.
Today i reached the highest temp ive seen at 235...while humming around in stop and go traffic with 95 deg air temp. i usually never go above 205-210. Your oil should be good til 270-290
Today i reached the highest temp ive seen at 235...while humming around in stop and go traffic with 95 deg air temp. i usually never go above 205-210. Your oil should be good til 270-290
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lahaina Hi
The oil temp at times is about 20 degrees more than engine temp.
I might pull the shroud around the radiator and see if the area between the condenser and raidator are full of leaves.
I removed a 32 gallon trash can full of leaves and crud between my radiator and condenser.
Our cars are the best road vacs around.I would just see if a plastic bag hasen't gotten caught in the front of the radiator.
I always look in my rear view mirror to see if that pesky plastic bag blowing down the street cleared my car radiator.
I might pull the shroud around the radiator and see if the area between the condenser and raidator are full of leaves.
I removed a 32 gallon trash can full of leaves and crud between my radiator and condenser.
Our cars are the best road vacs around.I would just see if a plastic bag hasen't gotten caught in the front of the radiator.
I always look in my rear view mirror to see if that pesky plastic bag blowing down the street cleared my car radiator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by corvette_crimson
I own a Late 86 corvette I bought it a week ago but the oil temp has been running around 230-240 deg. What temp does your corvettes run at. If mine is high could any one tell me how to lower it.
Thanks
Thanks
Crap, I was describing my coolant temps. Those numbers are a tad high oil temps but reasonable. And as someone stated, you can use Mobil 1 5w-30 and it might lower the temps. Low oil can raise the temps too.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Ithaca Michigan
I have a late 86 Vette also and the oil temps have never gone over 180 even idling and stopped for long periods of time. We havent really had any warm weather yet for a good comparison either. Seems like since the oil cooler really depends on coolant temp the oil temps will be a bit higher than the coolant temps.
Cleaning the area between the rad and a/c condenser once in a while is a must.
Good luck, Tom
Cleaning the area between the rad and a/c condenser once in a while is a must.
Good luck, Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by torkman15
I have a late 86 Vette also and the oil temps have never gone over 180 even idling and stopped for long periods of time. We havent really had any warm weather yet for a good comparison either. Seems like since the oil cooler really depends on coolant temp the oil temps will be a bit higher than the coolant temps.
Cleaning the area between the rad and a/c condenser once in a while is a must.
Good luck, Tom
Cleaning the area between the rad and a/c condenser once in a while is a must.
Good luck, Tom
