overheating problems
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 77
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From: Mesa Az
overheating problems
My '86 has an overheating problem. Ive put a brand new radiator in it,, replaced the t-stat (which is a whole 'nuther issue) And my girl still runs hot. Its fine with the AC off and running on the freeway ( runs around 195) But get me in traffic and she slowly starts ticking up and up and up (OVER 250). I live in Phx Az and in the summer here it gets over 6000 degrees in the summer time! Im assuming that it could be an airflow problem. Because its fine while driving over 50 and in overdrive. Should I try a higher CFM fan maybe? HELP!!
Last edited by machinegunminky; Sep 21, 2007 at 02:44 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Best thing Ive found is to get the fans to com on earlier and a low temp stat to give your car more of a fighting chance of staying in a tolerable range. To avoid the 'stat debate you NEED it living in Phoenix, that place is a 24hr oven 
Seems once the car gets into the 215 and up range its a fight to cool down.
If you could find a stronger fan (Spal) that doesnt draw too many amps it could only help.
Im a firm believer in 160 stats and lo temp fan switches/programming for warmer climates. Mine used to operate at 205 to 215 and now cruises at no more than 170-180, usually a but less unless Im parked at a light for awhile. If the cooling system is in good shape with a lower temp stat it will allow the temp to come down further than the stock stat would allow it to (because it would close, keeping the coolant temp higher).
Gauge watching sucks, period.
For colder climates this may not be so desireable
Im also wondering if the dual fan setup from the 90-91 cars would fit on a 89 or older, they seem to do a much better job than the old one front/one rear fan setup.
size 22xxx flame suit on
Seems once the car gets into the 215 and up range its a fight to cool down.
If you could find a stronger fan (Spal) that doesnt draw too many amps it could only help.
Im a firm believer in 160 stats and lo temp fan switches/programming for warmer climates. Mine used to operate at 205 to 215 and now cruises at no more than 170-180, usually a but less unless Im parked at a light for awhile. If the cooling system is in good shape with a lower temp stat it will allow the temp to come down further than the stock stat would allow it to (because it would close, keeping the coolant temp higher).
Gauge watching sucks, period.
For colder climates this may not be so desireable
Im also wondering if the dual fan setup from the 90-91 cars would fit on a 89 or older, they seem to do a much better job than the old one front/one rear fan setup.
size 22xxx flame suit on
Last edited by cv67; Sep 21, 2007 at 03:06 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: Northern VA
It CAN run fairly cool
Hi, check for debris in front of your radiator or between the rad and the condenser.
install a set of helper push fans in front of the radiator/condenser. Try perma cool they have 10" fans that are square bracket framed and don't need anything but bolting in.,
Install a flow kooler or stewart water pump
try a smaller water pump pulley which spins faster when idling or in traffic increasing water flow
Upgrade to the dual 11" spal fans
finally, check out http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1797781
install a set of helper push fans in front of the radiator/condenser. Try perma cool they have 10" fans that are square bracket framed and don't need anything but bolting in.,
Install a flow kooler or stewart water pump
try a smaller water pump pulley which spins faster when idling or in traffic increasing water flow
Upgrade to the dual 11" spal fans
finally, check out http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1797781
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
My '86 has an overheating problem. Ive put a brand new radiator in it,, replaced the t-stat (which is a whole 'nuther issue) And my girl still runs hot. Its fine with the AC off and running on the freeway ( runs around 195) But get me in traffic and she slowly starts ticking up and up and up (OVER 250). I live in Phx Az and in the summer here it gets over 6000 degrees in the summer time! Im assuming that it could be an airflow problem. Because its fine while driving over 50 and in overdrive. Should I try a higher CFM fan maybe? HELP!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...archid=6132643
Hope this helps....................
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 65
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My '86 has an overheating problem. Ive put a brand new radiator in it,, replaced the t-stat (which is a whole 'nuther issue) And my girl still runs hot. Its fine with the AC off and running on the freeway ( runs around 195) But get me in traffic and she slowly starts ticking up and up and up (OVER 250). I live in Phx Az and in the summer here it gets over 6000 degrees in the summer time! Im assuming that it could be an airflow problem. Because its fine while driving over 50 and in overdrive. Should I try a higher CFM fan maybe? HELP!!
I spent, I believe, $40 on the kit and it has been a life saver!! I would show you exactly the one I bought but Im not sure if the rules of this forum will allow this... in acny case, Im sure you can search around and find one.
Basically it brings a new fan temperature switch that will replace the one on your engine and two cables that connect to your fan relays. I installed it in under an hour and Im telling you IT WORKS!!!
