LT-1 overheat warning?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
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From: Ft Wayne IN
LT-1 overheat warning?
I am just finishing up my '92 LT-1 383 and with all the overheating post I have seen it got me thinking.
1.) Is there some type of audible/visual overheat warning?
2.) If so at what temp does it activate?
3.) Is the factory temp guage very accuarate?
If I am going to upgrade any guages or sensors now would be the time and this is one area I don't want to overlook. No sense in doing any changes to the cooling system if the information system isn't giving correct data.
1.) Is there some type of audible/visual overheat warning?
2.) If so at what temp does it activate?
3.) Is the factory temp guage very accuarate?
If I am going to upgrade any guages or sensors now would be the time and this is one area I don't want to overlook. No sense in doing any changes to the cooling system if the information system isn't giving correct data.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Well, the digital gauge is more accurate than the analog unit.
The first time I saw my car's needles-and-numbers gauge creep past 230 degrees, it scared the stool outta' me.
Then, I discovered LT1s are designed to run hot for emissions purposes.
If the car overheats, the CHECK GUAGES lamp will illuminate on the dash.
I always keep my digital gauge set to "coolant temp" mode so I can keep a rolling eye on my water temps while I'm driving.
The first time I saw my car's needles-and-numbers gauge creep past 230 degrees, it scared the stool outta' me.
Then, I discovered LT1s are designed to run hot for emissions purposes.
If the car overheats, the CHECK GUAGES lamp will illuminate on the dash.
I always keep my digital gauge set to "coolant temp" mode so I can keep a rolling eye on my water temps while I'm driving.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Greenbrier AR
I am just finishing up my '92 LT-1 383 and with all the overheating post I have seen it got me thinking.
1.) Is there some type of audible/visual overheat warning?
2.) If so at what temp does it activate?
3.) Is the factory temp guage very accuarate?
If I am going to upgrade any guages or sensors now would be the time and this is one area I don't want to overlook. No sense in doing any changes to the cooling system if the information system isn't giving correct data.
1.) Is there some type of audible/visual overheat warning?
2.) If so at what temp does it activate?
3.) Is the factory temp guage very accuarate?
If I am going to upgrade any guages or sensors now would be the time and this is one area I don't want to overlook. No sense in doing any changes to the cooling system if the information system isn't giving correct data.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
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If the digital gauge stays below 240, you will be fine.
The analog gauge may "look" like it's pegged at that temp though, but will still have just a tiny fraction of gauge left.
Remember, the analog gauge does not have a linear scale. So it's pretty hard to tell exactly what temp it is actually reading unless the needle is right on one of the numbers listed.
And yes, there will be a warning light come.
A "Check Gauges" light will/should come on if it gets too hot.
I don't think that comes on until close to 260 though.
GM says to shut the car down at 260.
That is close to the boiling point of the coolant, when your using the factory rated pressure cap and coolant mix.
The analog gauge may "look" like it's pegged at that temp though, but will still have just a tiny fraction of gauge left.
Remember, the analog gauge does not have a linear scale. So it's pretty hard to tell exactly what temp it is actually reading unless the needle is right on one of the numbers listed.
And yes, there will be a warning light come.
A "Check Gauges" light will/should come on if it gets too hot.
I don't think that comes on until close to 260 though.
GM says to shut the car down at 260.
That is close to the boiling point of the coolant, when your using the factory rated pressure cap and coolant mix.
