overheating problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Branford Conn
overheating problem
okay, i have a 1987 vette and i woke up this morning with 85 degree weather, and this car ran all the way up to 280 before i realised it, i know 220 even 230 is normal i even turned the heat on to let some out from underneath the hood and it got down to 250 at the most, i am stumped on what could be causing this, this car has over heated a few times, what could be causing this any help would be takin thanks
dan
dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
Re: overheating problem (corvettekid872002)
Chances are the outside of the radiator needs to be cleaned. But first, check to see that you have enough coolant in the system.
It is a fairly easy job to pull and clean the radiator. You can get directions from the Tech Tips area for C-4's. After you clean the radiator, you should see a noticable difference. Make sure you burp the system after the job is done. I have also heard good things about water wetter, but have no first hand experience.
It is a fairly easy job to pull and clean the radiator. You can get directions from the Tech Tips area for C-4's. After you clean the radiator, you should see a noticable difference. Make sure you burp the system after the job is done. I have also heard good things about water wetter, but have no first hand experience.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: overheating problem (corvettekid872002)
At this point, Im pretty sure you are low on coolant. The boiling point for 50/50 freon and water is 265*. Cleaning out the area infront of the radiator will definitely help, but I cant see debris causing that kind of temps. Did your fan ever come on? Your thermostat may be stuck closed as well. Check your engine oil to make sure you didnt blow a head gasket with those temps. Also check to make sure the radiator doesnt have any bent fins to retrict even more air flow. Good Luck.
Sorry to have to welcome you to the forum under these circumstances. :seeya
[Modified by VetteNoob, 1:37 PM 6/21/2002]
Sorry to have to welcome you to the forum under these circumstances. :seeya
[Modified by VetteNoob, 1:37 PM 6/21/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
Re: overheating problem (Thomas)
1) Open Hood
2) Is the belt still there?
3) Is the radiator full (antifreeze/water mixture)?
4) Are/is the fan(s) coming on while the engine is running at high temps?
That'll get you started. If all that checks out OK, and it's been a while: pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop to be cleaned inside and out. Flush the entire coolant system and add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Change the thermostat. How many miles are on the car? A new water pump might be a good idea. They aren't expensive. Belts and hoses while you are in there? Not a bad idea!
2) Is the belt still there?
3) Is the radiator full (antifreeze/water mixture)?
4) Are/is the fan(s) coming on while the engine is running at high temps?
That'll get you started. If all that checks out OK, and it's been a while: pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop to be cleaned inside and out. Flush the entire coolant system and add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Change the thermostat. How many miles are on the car? A new water pump might be a good idea. They aren't expensive. Belts and hoses while you are in there? Not a bad idea!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: overheating problem (ZBRA)
..... The boiling point for 50/50 freon and water is 265*.....
Probably a brain fart. Antifreeze is obviously what he meant. :jester
Probably a brain fart. Antifreeze is obviously what he meant. :jester
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
Re: overheating problem (VetteNoob)
water wetter WORKS..
In fact, here's a testimonial to a product i've used. It's called Super Coolant, made by CRC, i think. My Dad's '77 Buick Skyhawk has a weak head gasket and it tends to run hot (INTO the red on hot days here in Los Angeles.) The red on that car is 230 degrees, I think. Anyways, after dumping in a bottle of Super Coolant (NOTHING else, just adding to the system) the car now 'never' even touches the red. In fact, it's never reached 5 degrees of within it. To me, that means upwards of 10 to TWENTY degrees lower temperatures.
Amazing stuff :eek: :eek: :eek:
In fact, here's a testimonial to a product i've used. It's called Super Coolant, made by CRC, i think. My Dad's '77 Buick Skyhawk has a weak head gasket and it tends to run hot (INTO the red on hot days here in Los Angeles.) The red on that car is 230 degrees, I think. Anyways, after dumping in a bottle of Super Coolant (NOTHING else, just adding to the system) the car now 'never' even touches the red. In fact, it's never reached 5 degrees of within it. To me, that means upwards of 10 to TWENTY degrees lower temperatures.
Amazing stuff :eek: :eek: :eek:
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