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

Still overheating...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 12:46 PM
  #1  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default Still overheating...

Hey guys I have a 1985 Corvette. This problem all started after I installed brand new AFR 195 Eliminator Heads.

The car overheats when you drive it but when you pull over and let it idle it cools down. It could be sitting idling all day and have no problem cooling.

I just replaced the radiator with a performance radiator and the problem still persists. New thermostat, CTS, water pump, cooling system passes all pressure and vacuum tests and the engine passes compression tests. Also no coolant loss.

I'm out of ideas.

Thanks!
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 01:19 PM
  #2  
GQ-ROD's Avatar
GQ-ROD
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by DanielRicany
Hey guys I have a 1985 Corvette. This problem all started after I installed brand new AFR 195 Eliminator Heads.

The car overheats when you drive it but when you pull over and let it idle it cools down. It could be sitting idling all day and have no problem cooling.

I just replaced the radiator with a performance radiator and the problem still persists. New thermostat, CTS, water pump, cooling system passes all pressure and vacuum tests and the engine passes compression tests. Also no coolant loss.

I'm out of ideas.

Thanks!
Check that you bled the coolant system properly, also check that you are not running too lean. Check your EGR system for proper operation.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 01:23 PM
  #3  
bjankuski's Avatar
bjankuski
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 553
From: Glenbeulah Wi
Default

Is your air dam installed under the car?
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 01:28 PM
  #4  
c4cruiser's Avatar
c4cruiser
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

How did you "burp" the cooling system?

The best way is to raise the front of the car at least 12". Remove the radiator cap and start the engine. Let in run to allow the thermostat to open. You should see a drop in the coolant level at that point. Raise the RPM to about 1100-1200 and fill the radiator so that the coolant level is at the top of the filler neck. Reduce RPM's to idle and replace the cap.

Is the cap the correct pressure rating? Make sure the coolant in the overflow reservoir is at the correct line.

You also stated in another thread that you wanted the "best" AFR for your build. You need to get that done by your tuner. If the engine is too lean now, that would be a overheating issue. What's the base timing set at?

And as mentioned, do you have the lower airdam installed? That is needed to get air directed up to the radiator.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 01:30 PM
  #5  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by GQ-ROD
Check that you bled the coolant system properly, also check that you are not running too lean. Check your EGR system for proper operation.
I bled the cooling system using an evacuator and fill tool from snap on. The AFR gauge reports 14.7:1 under normal driving conditions, EGR is gone and deleted from tune.

Originally Posted by bjankuski
Is your air dam installed under the car?
Yeah it's still there.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 02:34 PM
  #6  
don hall's Avatar
don hall
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Default

Cooling is basic... air flow and coolant flow.... interrupt one, or both,
and you will overheat. Since there is no loss of coolant, a head gasket leak is ruled out. Just a guess, but is the belt slipping on the pulley?

Originally Posted by DanielRicany
Hey guys I have a 1985 Corvette. This problem all started after I installed brand new AFR 195 Eliminator Heads.

What are the temps?

The car overheats when you drive it but when you pull over and let it idle it cools down. It could be sitting idling all day and have no problem cooling.

Just the opposite of how it should work. At idle, the fans will operate when the programmed hot temp is reached. At speed, the air motion supplied by the dam should provide adequate cooling.

I just replaced the radiator with a performance radiator and the problem still persists. New thermostat, CTS, water pump, cooling system passes all pressure and vacuum tests and the engine passes compression tests.

Also no coolant loss.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 02:49 PM
  #7  
don hall's Avatar
don hall
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Default

Another suggestion.... it is possible that the knock sensor has build-up around it, and slowing coolant motion.

If you haven't replaced the knock sensor (instructions in the link),
you might consider doing so, and use high pressure water injected
into the knock sensor hole to remove 'gunk'....

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ck-sensor.html

Just a normal flush will not remove the 'gunk' around the sensor.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:03 PM
  #8  
hooked073's Avatar
hooked073
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
Default

do you do the pressure test like I suggested before. You have a classic symtoms of combustion in the cooleant. You need to test for this and a pressure test is a good way of doing this
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:09 PM
  #9  
don hall's Avatar
don hall
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Default

Originally Posted by hooked073
do you do the pressure test like I suggested before. You have a classic symtoms of combustion in the cooleant. You need to test for this and a pressure test is a good way of doing this
If exhaust gases were present in the coolant, it would be due to a head gasket leak, and there would be increased pressure in the cooling system forcing coolant out. Since there is no loss of coolant, that would preclude exhaust gases from being in the system.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:27 PM
  #10  
bjankuski's Avatar
bjankuski
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 553
From: Glenbeulah Wi
Default

Originally Posted by DanielRicany
Hey guys I have a 1985 Corvette. This problem all started after I installed brand new AFR 195 Eliminator Heads.

The car overheats when you drive it but when you pull over and let it idle it cools down. It could be sitting idling all day and have no problem cooling.

I just replaced the radiator with a performance radiator and the problem still persists. New thermostat, CTS, water pump, cooling system passes all pressure and vacuum tests and the engine passes compression tests. Also no coolant loss.

I'm out of ideas.

Thanks!
Stupid question but do you have the correct rotation water pump? Some SBC had opposite rotation water pumps and is there a chance that you put one of those pumps on by mistake? Are you sure there is not a defective water pump (Failed impeller) or failed T-stat.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:29 PM
  #11  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by seabright
If exhaust gases were present in the coolant, it would be due to a head gasket leak, and there would be increased pressure in the cooling system forcing coolant out. Since there is no loss of coolant, that would preclude exhaust gases from being in the system.
Yeah also the hoses don't build up with pressure. You can still squeeze them.

But I have an update. I finally took it out on the highway, it doesn't happen at around 50 mph or higher. It cools fine. It seems to happen at around 30 mph or lower.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:30 PM
  #12  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by bjankuski
Stupid question but do you have the correct rotation water pump? Some SBC had opposite rotation water pumps and is there a chance that you put one of those pumps on by mistake? Are you sure there is not a defective water pump (Failed impeller) or failed T-stat.
Well the thermostat is new and the belt is routed correctly. The previous owner had a shop install one before I got the car. A few people had suggested the water pump so far. But I should also add that when I rev the engine to about 2k - 3k RPMs, it sounds like someone put a baseball card in the spokes on a wheel of a bicycle. I thought it was coming from the AIR pump but I may be wrong.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:32 PM
  #13  
GQ-ROD's Avatar
GQ-ROD
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
Default

Did you check to see if your fans are working?

You mentioned CTS, but is this the one that activates the fans? there is one for the fans, one to tell the ecu what temp the eng is, and a sensor for the dash guage.

Silly questions i know BUT you never know.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:36 PM
  #14  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by GQ-ROD
Did you check to see if your fans are working?

You mentioned CTS, but is this the one that activates the fans? there is one for the fans, one to tell the ecu what temp the eng is, and a sensor for the dash guage.

Silly questions i know BUT you never know.
Yes the fans come on at about 194* F, the CTS reports about 10 degrees lower on the scanner compared to the digital dash going off the Temperature Sending Unit.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 03:56 PM
  #15  
GQ-ROD's Avatar
GQ-ROD
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by DanielRicany
Yes the fans come on at about 194* F, the CTS reports about 10 degrees lower on the scanner compared to the digital dash going off the Temperature Sending Unit.
Ok good, as has been mentioned you may have to check your thermostat again, i had new thermostats i got at autozone go bad literally in one day, took it out and it was stuck closed. I also had a failsafe go bad in one day, ok it did do what it said it failed in the open position, but ONE day????? not good.

This happened to me more than once, so now i go right to the dealer of any car i have and just buy the brand specific dealer thermostat, yeah i pay the 16.00 but it's worth it to save me the grief of being stranded.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 04:29 PM
  #16  
hooked073's Avatar
hooked073
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by seabright
If exhaust gases were present in the coolant, it would be due to a head gasket leak, and there would be increased pressure in the cooling system forcing coolant out. Since there is no loss of coolant, that would preclude exhaust gases from being in the system.

It is very possible to spit the cooleant into the recovery tank and not loose and noticabe amout of cooleant. Esp with the little amount he has driven the car. But now that he says it only happens at 30 mph that follows no real reason to me at this time
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 04:31 PM
  #17  
hooked073's Avatar
hooked073
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
Default

What are your temps at all points of operation this may help
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Still overheating...

Old Mar 24, 2014 | 04:35 PM
  #18  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by hooked073
What are your temps at all points of operation this may help
When sitting in my driveway it will go up to 220 and come down to like 185.

When driving under 30 mph it keeps going, (237 was the highest so far), until I pull over and it comes down to around 185.

On the highway at 50 mph or more it goes to around 215 - 220 and comes back down.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 04:59 PM
  #19  
hooked073's Avatar
hooked073
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
Default

is the 30 mph in stop and go traffic?
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2014 | 05:19 PM
  #20  
DanielRicany's Avatar
DanielRicany
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by hooked073
is the 30 mph in stop and go traffic?
Yes. But if I come to a stop light it'll drop down. When I consistently have a load on it it climbs up.

Also someone I talked to said that my Temperature Sending Unit is placed in an area that is hotter than other areas. It's between Cylinder 1 and 3 on the drivers side in between the headers. Someone said I may get a hotter reading there than I would in a place next to the thermostat housing. Any input on that? Thanks!
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:59 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE