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

Thermostat too high???

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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:09 PM
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Default Thermostat too high???

I just bought a 94 coupe about week n a half ago. Today I took her out for a couple hours and while sitting in traffic I noticed the engine temp was almost in the danger area!!! Then I guess the thermostat kicked in and everything was good again. This happened a couple more times before I put her away. Anyone know if this is normal, I just find it hard to believe they would put a thermostat in the motor that waits till that point to kick in? Fluids are all good by the way.
Also if this is normal can I put a lower temp thermostat in without causing the computer to give me a false warning light?
any input would help maybe I'm just to **** about this but that really seems too much for my comfort.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:14 PM
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Thermostat set operating temperature rolling. The electric cooling fans pull air through radiator with AC, at low speeds ,or stopped. If you turn AC on do fans come on?
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:27 PM
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What does the digital temperature gauge read? These cars do run on the hot side.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:29 PM
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Yes they do . Only reason I'm sure of that (since it's still only low 40s here in NY) is I just had to have the a/c r134 put in as well as some dye to detect if there was a leak because it wasn't working .
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:32 PM
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I didn't look - I'm not entirely sure how to to tell the truth. I did read how to in the manual but at the moment I couldn't remember. Truth is I'm a corvette virgin this is my first.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:36 PM
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There is a gauges button for drive information center. Press it and cycle until coolant temp displays. There is also a possibility of debris between condenser and radiator. Remove top cover to check.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:42 PM
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I will do that tomorrow when I take her out again and get back to you. Thank you for quick response!!! I'm not sure how to respond to you personally tomorrow without posting a general thread though. I'm new to the forum and not sure how to do that. Do I friend you or something???
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 07:47 PM
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I'm doubting the debris though as the original owner I bought it from rarely drove the car. Only has 39000 on it and he kept it garaged at all times with a cover as well!!! I think he told me the only time the car ever even got wet was while washing.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 08:00 PM
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Just post to this thread
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 08:33 PM
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They still can pick up a lot of small debris, it gets lodged in between the cooling fins. Blasting it out with a water hose from the backside (AC too) makes a noticeable difference
If you are going by the gauge needle itself it looks like its about to overheat before the fans come on. this is fixable....imo no benefit other than their emissions requirements of the day to go that hot.
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Old Mar 16, 2019 | 11:33 PM
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My 95 looked hot on the gauge, but was fine on the display. You can start the car, and just watch it heat up while monitoring the display. If you hear the fan kick on at the above temp, you're good.
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Old Mar 17, 2019 | 10:53 AM
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Thermostat opens at 180F on LT1/4 engines, fans come on in the 225F range.

Don't trust the analog gauge.
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Old Mar 17, 2019 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevova
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Ok so thank you everyone who responded. I took her out today and brought up the digital reading. While driving it never went over 196-198 and while parked and idling the fan kicked on at 228 so all good I guess. I was going by the analog gauge and that makes it look like your pushing 285 danger zone!
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Old Mar 17, 2019 | 03:47 PM
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That looks like the usual behavior, based upon my two 95's. My coupe has a new DeWitt dual-core radiator so it seldom goes above 210, but the vert behaves the same. Good Luck!
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