A couple of questions about the cooling system. At what temperature should the fan automatically go on? Should the fan go on automatically when you turn the a/c on? Can a new water pump solve the problem? Where are the fan relays located? It is an 89 coupe-stock......

Another note. The coolant is properly mixed, the system was burped, the belt is new and tight, new radiator cap. The radiator and shroud area are clean (radiator pulled) and air intake area unobstructed.

 

I too have an 89 Vette, and asked this same question just a few months back. I will try and locate the thread or one that can answer the questions you just asked. What I can tell you is that these engines nornally run very hot. Generally it is not unusual to see temperatures averaging 220*F-240*F during the warmer months. 250*F and above is where you might want to get a little concerned. Personally I like to see the car run at a consistent 180*F for a few reasons. Some I'm sure are misconceptions but I feel more comfortable with the engine running around 180*F. Without inciting a riot, I feel its less stress on the block and heads, keeps head temperatures down which also = less detonation. I remember when I had this problem most people on this site agreed I should not concern myself with the temperature of my engine.

In any event if you are concerned like I was, you can step down to a "quality" 180*F Stat, and tune your primary fan down to 185*F and your secondary fan (using a screw in thermostatic fan switch) to 195. That seems to work very well for me and is keeping the coolant in the 180*F-185*F range consistently, and the oil temps in the 190*F range which as far as I am concerned is perfect.

Just my $0.02
DG

 

im sure the fans should come on at 228F...thats what mine did..but i have a `96...160thermostate works for me...an yes when you turn the ac on the fans do come on

 

The main fan should on at about 228/238 degrees automatically. The relay is here.



You might want to clean between the condenser and radiator if it's never been done on that car.



http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1408709

 

Thanks for the advice, especially the picture!!

 

The 160° thermostat is OK for the reverse cooling LTx engines, but not the L98. Don't go below 180° for the L98. A fan on temp of 185° with a 180° thermostat will never allow the fan to turn off. That wears out fan motors and wastes gasoline. A fan on temp of 200° - 210° makes a lot more sense. Maintenance, including REMOVING the radiator and cleaning between the radiator and condenser is the biggest cause of running hot complaints, other than the lack of familiarity with what temps these things should run.

RACE ON!!!

 

I agree with CTU=MKT ( I think that it's time for me to screw up your name, everybody else does). I have a big Ron Davis radiator, but feel uncomfortable when it's much below 195* in the winter. It usually runs about 199-215 in the hot AZ summer.