C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Testing Positive Coolant Flow?

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Old Apr 13, 2002 | 06:20 PM
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Default Testing Positive Coolant Flow?

Car-1987 Coupe
Waterpump-Autozone OEM

Is there an easy way to do this? Besides either pulling the thermostat, or removing the water pump?

I know I don't want to run it until the thermo opens, that'd be a little warm.

Would removing a heater line tell me? Thanks.
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Old Apr 13, 2002 | 08:39 PM
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Default Re: Testing Positive Coolant Flow? (NoWorries)

You should be able to see water flow by removing the pressure cap on the expansion tank. Remove it when cold and siphon off some of the coolant. Start the engine and let it get up to temp where the thermostat opens. You should see some indication of coolant flowing by looking down into the tank.

What sort of problem are you looking at, overheating?? Reduced flow? That could be an indication of blockage in the system, possibly the radiator. At highway speed a collapsed lower hose (old rusted spring in the hose) will cause temps to rise. Indications of a bad pump would be noise from the bearings going out (coupled with possible leaks) and the pulley may appear to wobble.
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Old Apr 13, 2002 | 08:44 PM
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Default Re: Testing Positive Coolant Flow? (c4cruiser)

I'm seeing an overheating problem. The entire cooling system has been cleaned or replaced.

Water wetter has been introduced, and I have excellent airflow. The thermostat is the second since I noticed the problem, and there is no difference.

I'm wondering if the water pump has a reverse impeller or possibly is missing some teeth. I don't want to take it apart, because its kinda buried. Its the last part that could be bad, though.
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