Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ????
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 36
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From: los angelos ca
Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ????
When driving temp is fine, around 196 -205 degrees. When sitting still in traffic, it reaches 226 degrees and stays there. Oil pressure drops to 14-17 psi. I have the B4P aux. fan option and souldn't the temp drop down with this fan kicking in?? Is this normal even having this extra fan?? When starting to drive again, it drops down to around 200 or so also and holds. What to do to change this??? Do i buy a fan switch that i hear so much of and, also how do these fans work??? I hate sitting there in traffic watching the temp that high and worrying if the oil pressure is too low....Please offer your suggestions and opinions.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ???? (jmzooooo)
Your cooling system is normal and you will have to get used to the temp soaring at stop lights in summer. It won't hurt your engine and the coolant will not boil. If you insist on maintaining the thermostat opening temperature, you can install an after market 2 row radiator which has more cooling abililty. My 64, 69, and 74 vettes stayed at 180 even at stop lights in 90 deg weather, but they had much bigger radiators. Do as Bugs Bunny says, "Unlax Doc". You may get some advice to install a 160 thermostat, it won't do squat because the capacity of the radiator predominently determines the coolant temp when idling. I installed a Stewart water pump recently in my 87 and it helps a lot because it pumps 41% more coolant at idle, the GM pump needs more flow at idle. I get the same temps at stoplights as you now and they used to be higher.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ???? (jmzooooo)
your temps are normal, the main fan comes on at 225 and the aux fan at over 230, do this:
put in a 160 thermostat, clean the front of your radiator, put in a bottle of water wetter after you flush and refill the coolant
get a chip burned to turn your fans on earlier
put in a 160 thermostat, clean the front of your radiator, put in a bottle of water wetter after you flush and refill the coolant
get a chip burned to turn your fans on earlier
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 36
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From: los angelos ca
Re: Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ???? (vader86)
Thanks for the replies... The front of the radiator is clean and i have a 195 degree thermostat i put in last year. I see they sell fan switches that turn your fan on at 195 and off at 180. Has anyone ever used this before and does it work and what thermostat should i use -----> 160 or 180... :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
Likes: 1,735
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ???? (jmzooooo)
195 is the stock one, its worthless
I would put in a 160 since its warm where you live year round, 180 for the northern guys.
the fan switch is ok, but it only runs the aux fan, youre better off with a chip so that the ECM can control it
I would put in a 160 since its warm where you live year round, 180 for the northern guys.
the fan switch is ok, but it only runs the aux fan, youre better off with a chip so that the ECM can control it
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,446
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From: 10.70 @ 124mph, Stock Bottom End @ 3620lbs, ECS Racing Team Member. The 1st NMCA LSX Index Rumble World Champion. 2011,12,13 Champion
Re: Engine Temp too high at idle ----any suggestions ???? (jmzooooo)
I just installed a 180 Thermastat the other day and did not do anything to have the fans turn on sooner then the stock settings. I drive in traffic and will maintain at or about 190. I still have the stock radiator. I did notice that the car seems to be my responsive when accelerating with the 180 thermastat. When on the hwy the temp will be about 179 to 182. I feel that the 180 is a better choice for a stock engine. If the engine is modified I would install a 160. Then install an aftermarket radiator for extra coolant as written in another posting. SLP sells a Prom that will activate the fan to maintain 180 degrees and also add some performance to the engine. The sale price for this is $69.99 for the C-4's. Good Luck and stay cool. 
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