Cooling System
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 7
From: Haslet texas
Cooling System
Car: 1996 LT1 w/ 401 stroker.
Water Pump: 133k miles on it
Radiator: Replaced in 2006 , at 102k mark i believe
Issue: Was taking it for a drive and car began to overheat. Pop the hood and discover the reservoir tank is completely full, so fully that it is bubbling out of the top. Also the upper radiator hose is hot, the lower radiator hose connecting to T-Stat housing is cool. Start it up again today with cap off and notice on a small trickle, if any, of coolant coming from the radiator back into the reservoir. Took T-STAT out and checked it, it is 160 degree new one i got from autozone and it check out fine. Thanks for all the help.
Ryan M.
Water Pump: 133k miles on it
Radiator: Replaced in 2006 , at 102k mark i believe
Issue: Was taking it for a drive and car began to overheat. Pop the hood and discover the reservoir tank is completely full, so fully that it is bubbling out of the top. Also the upper radiator hose is hot, the lower radiator hose connecting to T-Stat housing is cool. Start it up again today with cap off and notice on a small trickle, if any, of coolant coming from the radiator back into the reservoir. Took T-STAT out and checked it, it is 160 degree new one i got from autozone and it check out fine. Thanks for all the help.
Ryan M.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,008
From: Texas
Car: 1996 LT1 w/ 401 stroker.
Water Pump: 133k miles on it
Radiator: Replaced in 2006 , at 102k mark i believe
Issue: Was taking it for a drive and car began to overheat. Pop the hood and discover the reservoir tank is completely full, so fully that it is bubbling out of the top. Also the upper radiator hose is hot, the lower radiator hose connecting to T-Stat housing is cool. Start it up again today with cap off and notice on a small trickle, if any, of coolant coming from the radiator back into the reservoir. Took T-STAT out and checked it, it is 160 degree new one i got from autozone and it check out fine. Thanks for all the help.
Ryan M.
Water Pump: 133k miles on it
Radiator: Replaced in 2006 , at 102k mark i believe
Issue: Was taking it for a drive and car began to overheat. Pop the hood and discover the reservoir tank is completely full, so fully that it is bubbling out of the top. Also the upper radiator hose is hot, the lower radiator hose connecting to T-Stat housing is cool. Start it up again today with cap off and notice on a small trickle, if any, of coolant coming from the radiator back into the reservoir. Took T-STAT out and checked it, it is 160 degree new one i got from autozone and it check out fine. Thanks for all the help.
Ryan M.
Could be as simple as needing a new water pump as well. Drain the coolant and pull the inspection cover off the water pump. See if the impeller feels tight...ie you shouldn't be able to turn it by hand.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 7
From: Haslet texas
Yes it is a LT1 specific thermostat. Is it possible the radiator or water pump has become clogged? Or water pump stop working. I am going to pull the cover off and do the check like recommended tomorrow.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
Overheat and flooding surge tank
You might want to try replacing the radiator cap. If it's lifting too soon it will send coolant to surge tank. Also, if the cap is not allowing the radiator to hold normal pressure it will allow the coolant to boil (lower pressure means lower boiling point). Worth a try, I've seen this simple fix take care of similar problems.
Ryan M.[/QUOTE]
Ryan M.[/QUOTE]
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 944
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
You might want to try replacing the radiator cap. If it's lifting too soon it will send coolant to surge tank. Also, if the cap is not allowing the radiator to hold normal pressure it will allow the coolant to boil (lower pressure means lower boiling point). Worth a try, I've seen this simple fix take care of similar problems.
Ryan M.
Ryan M.
hmm... this may be my issue as the engine is running 220 in the arizona sun here. i will have to try this myself...