Overheating
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 50
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From: Castle Rock Colorado
Overheating
I was wondering what an 86 should be running temperature wise around this time of year. Average temp outside is around 90 or so. I bought the car in November and averaged around 180 degrees. Now I am running around 215-220. Does this sound right? Please help with any info! (thermostat tested and replaced, new thermo works fine!)
Last edited by 84Carb; Jun 20, 2007 at 11:29 PM. Reason: Further Info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Your temps are OK, the main fan comes on around 228, the auxilary fan come on a little higher.
What you might want to take a look at is the area between the radiator and condensor....our cars suck up alot of trash there and it can cause the car to run hotter.
What you might want to take a look at is the area between the radiator and condensor....our cars suck up alot of trash there and it can cause the car to run hotter.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
A quick trial cleaning can be done by using your garden hose and its smallest diameter stream and shoot water backwards through the radiator, hold the fan blade. Above 35 mph, your temp should be close to the opening temp of the thermostat. Sitting at lights, temp will be what you are experiencing, but should come down when you get underway. The main fan comes on at 228F and if you have the auxilliary fan, it comes on at 238 F. GM says to shut the engine off at 260 F and let it cool down. Also take a look under the front of the car and clean out any debris on the a/c condenser fins and straighten any bent ones.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Your posting indicates your car has a 180 degree t'stat by it running about 180 degrees last November. Assuming you clean/clear out any debris in front of the main radiator and you flush/clean the coolant system, the engine temp should run close to the rating of the t'stat.....while moving on the highway. Sitting in traffic will cause the engine to run 228+ degrees. If this is too hot for you, install a manual switch where you can control the main fan. This is an easy, cheap modification.
