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

Bad thermostat?

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Old Dec 23, 2017 | 09:17 AM
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Default Bad thermostat?

Sign of a bad thermostat? I had the radiator cap off, car on to burp the system out, but the car was still reaching high temps and eventually the coolant started boiling and overflowing out of the radiator box where the cap goes. Car got hot pretty fast by the way. 91 Vette.
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Old Dec 23, 2017 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Joe Reyes
Sign of a bad thermostat? I had the radiator cap off, car on to burp the system out, but the car was still reaching high temps and eventually the coolant started boiling and overflowing out of the radiator box where the cap goes. Car got hot pretty fast by the way. 91 Vette.
Another issue!!

I believe you've mentioned a recent purchase of the car that sat for a while. Not sure and ain't searching BUT from recollection I believe this to be true. This might be an instance where I'd suggest reaching out to maybe someone local to evaluate the car for you. A person familiar with a C4 similar to yours could be a tremendous help.

You've got so much going on it's difficult to comment.

I believe you solve issues one at a time

Where are you located? You might consider putting that in your profile.

Have you bought the FSM yet?
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Old Dec 23, 2017 | 09:46 AM
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If the radiator core is "cold" when then engine is hot (over 200*F), then your t-stat is not opening. Easy to check.
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
If the radiator core is "cold" when then engine is hot (over 200*F), then your t-stat is not opening. Easy to check.
This is probably the easiest way to check for a bad thermostat.

Also please keep in mind that the C4 cooling fans come on around 228F. So "high temps" is a relative term here. Numbers from the digital gauge might be helpful. Generally you can ignore the analog temp gauge (dial).

Last edited by DGXR; Dec 26, 2017 at 01:03 PM.
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Old Dec 27, 2017 | 07:58 AM
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You also need to watch for a blown head gasket. By heats quickly how many minutes?
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