new to corvette world
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2015
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new to corvette world
I have 1984 C4, whenever temp gets around 200-210, sounds like a relief valve or something opens every 3-5 seconds, looks like it blowing out steam, could this be a overheating issue?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
[QUOTE=tenebrous;1590989749]What type would you recommend?[/QUOTE]
I'm assuming you are asking what cap to buy (?).
Most caps are made by 'Stant', and packaged under many
brand names. According to Stant people, all newer caps are designed for both open and closed systems. I think all Stant caps have the letter 'S' stamped in the brass rivet in the cap.
Just buy a cap from AutoZone, etc., and you will be fine.
If a cap gasket is damaged, air will enter the cooling system. This negates the pressure build-up which is needed to raise the boiling point.
If the system is boiling, you may see steam coming from the cap, if the gasket is damaged. If there is smoke, that is another concern.
Check the cap gasket for damage. Replace, if necessary. Then check the coolant level in both the radiator and overflow bottle, fill, if necessary.
I'm assuming you are asking what cap to buy (?).
Most caps are made by 'Stant', and packaged under many
brand names. According to Stant people, all newer caps are designed for both open and closed systems. I think all Stant caps have the letter 'S' stamped in the brass rivet in the cap.
Just buy a cap from AutoZone, etc., and you will be fine.
If a cap gasket is damaged, air will enter the cooling system. This negates the pressure build-up which is needed to raise the boiling point.
If the system is boiling, you may see steam coming from the cap, if the gasket is damaged. If there is smoke, that is another concern.
Check the cap gasket for damage. Replace, if necessary. Then check the coolant level in both the radiator and overflow bottle, fill, if necessary.
Last edited by don hall; Nov 27, 2015 at 01:42 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
He also posted in General. Where he has answered my question...WHERE...."near the air filter" on the 84 that is no where near the radiator cap. One response in the other post was to check the T-stat housing. I suggested that he warm up the car until he hears the noise, remove the air cleaner and then check hoses, T-stat housing area for the steam he is seeing or sign of a leak.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 12
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blowing steam
ok, put new radiator cap on, still having same problem. checked hoses and clamps, all are good. when I shut off the car, I get a hissing sound, like the heater is still blowing
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
With a cold cooling system, remove the rad cap. Run the vette until the t-stat opens, and look to see if the coolant is circulating. If no circulation, t-stat may have failed closed, clogged with rust, or pump could be faulty.
Still have steam or smoke? Source?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 12
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blowing steam
You didn't mention if you checked the coolant level (?).
With a cold cooling system, remove the rad cap. Run the vette until the t-stat opens, and look to see if the coolant is circulating. If no circulation, t-stat may have failed closed, clogged with rust, or pump could be faulty.
Still have steam or smoke? Source?
With a cold cooling system, remove the rad cap. Run the vette until the t-stat opens, and look to see if the coolant is circulating. If no circulation, t-stat may have failed closed, clogged with rust, or pump could be faulty.
Still have steam or smoke? Source?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Coolant full, and circulating?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2015
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blowing steam
yes coolant full, will check to see if it circulating tomorrow, I also just put a relay switch in, are there any other fuses for fan?
Thread Starter
Cruising
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
From the 84 FSM the switch for the fan is rated to operate at 238* .. To check the switch, disconnect the switch (between #6 & 8 plugs ) and with ignition set to run, ground the connector, the fan should run..
Last edited by ccrazor; Nov 27, 2015 at 09:52 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
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From: SANTA CRUZ CA
If your max temp is 210, the fan is not your problem.
It is possible the temp gage is faulty, and the temp is not accurate.
If your head gasket has ruptured, the temp would rise very rapidly, greatly exceeding 210 temp, and you would see a coolant loss.
It is possible the temp gage is faulty, and the temp is not accurate.
If your head gasket has ruptured, the temp would rise very rapidly, greatly exceeding 210 temp, and you would see a coolant loss.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 12
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blowing steam
ok, the highest the temp has got is about 214 while driving, then drops to about 184. when I crank the car and let it warm up the symptons start once temp reaches 200-210(about 5-10 mins)steam comes from area under where air filter and fuel injectors are, just below the middle pulley. have it on video,but having trouble uploading it.
Le Mans Master
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
ok, the highest the temp has got is about 214 while driving, then drops to about 184. when I crank the car and let it warm up the symptons start once temp reaches 200-210(about 5-10 mins)steam comes from area under where air filter and fuel injectors are, just below the middle pulley. have it on video,but having trouble uploading it.