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

Low coolent temp

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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 09:53 PM
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Default Low coolent temp

Hey guys. My 85 L98 Z51 has a top coolent temp of 178 degrees. Sounds low based on some of the info gained here. Also, when starting the RPM's stay at 1100 for quite some time causing cocern about shifting into gear at that level. In addition I'm averaging 13mpg around town again sounding low. Rebuilt ECM with stock chip recently installed and fans operating correctly. Any thoughts?
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 10:50 PM
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Sounds like maybe your thermostat is stuck open..If its a stock stat and working properly you should stay around at least 190-195 degrees..The high rpms at startup could be the "Idle air control" sticking or dirty, or a vacuum leak...WW
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by J W Drew
top coolent temp of 178 degrees.
Sounds low
Gauge could be reading wrong
Have you independently confirmed actuall engine temp?

Originally Posted by J W Drew
stock chip fans operating correctly.
If engine was at the temp you say ,the fans would never run at all seeing that stock fan ON temp is 228F
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:10 AM
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i agree thermo stuck open, causing low temps, and rich condition due to cold engine, and thus low mileage.
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:43 AM
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Ok, going to need some help here. Took the vette to a vette specialty shop for other issues. Mechanic noticed the fans were operating at all times (key on). here is thier report/invoice "inspect cooling fan relay and found the wiring appears to be correct but the relay is still receiving the signal that makes it engage the cooling fan. After some research we found that the ECM has an aftermarket E-prom chip and that, in combination with a possibly bad ECM, could be causing the ECM to be shorted to ground in the circuit for the cooling fan running continuously when the ignition key is on.
Replaced the ECM and Prom chip and retested the cooling fan system, works as it should at this time, the fan comes on at 175 degrees and goes off at 166.
Hypertech Chip-s #11542 $206.00
ECM-s # 77-6870 $158.00
Labor $245.00"
Sorry for the long details but wanted you to know the full story. Whats wrong with this picture?
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 02:23 AM
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Originally Posted by J W Drew
the fan comes on at 175 degrees and goes off at 166. Whats wrong with this picture?
Would appear the hypercr*p chip is making your fans operate at a lower than stock temp meaning your engine is not warming up to operating temp and it is affecting your fuel economy
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by rodj
Would appear the hypercr*p chip is making your fans operate at a lower than stock temp meaning your engine is not warming up to operating temp and it is affecting your fuel economy

I read that as him having replaced the ECM and unknown chip with a Hypertech chip and a reman ECM.
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by mcm95403
I read that as him having replaced the ECM and unknown chip with a Hypertech chip and a reman ECM.
Thats correct.
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by mcm95403
I read that as him having replaced the ECM and unknown chip with a Hypertech chip and a reman ECM.
He originally posted he thought 178 was low and now thinks 175 is OK
Most on here would say that is too low for normal driving;
Originally Posted by J W Drew
top coolent temp of 178 degrees. Sounds low based on some of the info gained here
Originally Posted by J W Drew
works as it should at this time,
the fan comes on at 175 degrees and goes off at 166.
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