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

1986 Corvette Cooling Fan

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Old Nov 29, 2023 | 09:18 PM
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Default 1986 Corvette Cooling Fan

What is the factory thermal switch setting?

I flushed the fuel rail and fired up a 10+ years sitting C4. Came right to life. Ran it till smoothed out and Temps went to 220 deg. I shut it off and wondered why the fans did not come on? Did some research on the Factory Temp switch setting (for a single fan car) and I found it out to be 239 deg? Is that right? I did the AB test and the fan ran. Does the AB test the relay too? and would grounding the thermal switch wire turn on the fan?

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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Damon 86' Auto C4
What is the factory thermal switch setting?

I flushed the fuel rail and fired up a 10+ years sitting C4. Came right to life. Ran it till smoothed out and Temps went to 220 deg. I shut it off and wondered why the fans did not come on? Did some research on the Factory Temp switch setting (for a single fan car) and I found it out to be 239 deg? Is that right? I did the AB test and the fan ran. Does the AB test the relay too? and would grounding the thermal switch wire turn on the fan?
Everything you mentioned above is true. Get the temp up higher and see. You can ground the temp switch as long as you ground the correct one depending on the year. Go from there and let us know.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 07:41 AM
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"as long as you ground the correct one "

Thanks for the reply and Information. The wire between cylinder 1 and 3, Green with yellow stripe and has a clip on it that looks like it will break if you touch it.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by dentalfloss
Everything you mentioned above is true. Get the temp up higher and see. You can ground the temp switch as long as you ground the correct one depending on the year. Go from there and let us know.
Thanks for the reply and Information. The wire between cylinder 1 and 3, Green with yellow stripe and has a clip on it that looks like it will break if you touch it.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 09:33 AM
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If the car is original the wire between 1 & 3 should be GRN w/WHT stripe(might appear yellow with age) and that would be for the AUX FAN (pusher) front of the rad/cond module. Do you have the AUX FAN? The connector that looks like it would break should be same in appearance as a knock sensor.


***** If you feel you've a primary fan issue change the CTS in the intake and consider it maintenance. For an '86 it might be considered maintenance to include a new connector.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 09:35 AM
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For 1986-1989 cars, the main fan is controlled by the ecm with the following on/off switch points (coolant temperature as seen by the ecm). Note: the dash display may read differently since it is driven by a different sensor in a different location in order to create confusion.

226 °F On
220 °F Off

The A/C high pressure switch will also activate the main fan independently of the coolant temperature.

Last edited by tequilaboy; Nov 30, 2023 at 10:34 AM.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
If the car is original the wire between 1 & 3 should be GRN w/WHT stripe(might appear yellow with age) and that would be for the AUX FAN (pusher) front of the rad/cond module. Do you have the AUX FAN? The connector that looks like it would break should be same in appearance as a knock sensor.


***** If you feel you've a primary fan issue change the CTS in the intake and consider it maintenance. For an '86 it might be considered maintenance to include a new connector.
Okay, Started it up, at 239 a fan kicked on, I went to go see it and I discovered there is a smaller fan in front of the radiator that was running. The car went to around 260 and the big fan came on in the front of the radiator. The car maintained around 240-250 range for 15 minutes. Turned it off and checked the radiator fluid level. It was low. So off to get more antifreeze and distilled water. Going to check it again later.
As far as the " same in appearance as a knock sensor." Not sure where that is.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by tequilaboy
For 1986-1989 cars, the main fan is controlled by the ecm with the following on/off switch points (coolant temperature as seen by the ecm). Note: the dash display may read differently since it is driven by a different sensor in a different location in order to create confusion.

226 °F On
220 °F Off

The A/C high pressure switch will also activate the main fan independently of the coolant temperature.
Good to know. I wish it was warmer to check the AC.
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Old Nov 30, 2023 | 03:24 PM
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Filled the coolant, in 62 deg weather at idle temp never went above 200. I imagine she checks out. I am moving on to the brakes. I am looking forward to taking it down from the stands and making that 1st Corvette Driving Experience. I am still going back and forth to send off the dash or repair it myself. I have a stuck E brake light and valve cover gaskets to tackle.

Thank for all the help.

UPDATE. I found a ground wire near the right headlight not even attached, I figured someone had a horn issue, I put it back and the Big fan in the front came on at 224 deg.

Last edited by Damon 86' Auto C4; Dec 9, 2023 at 01:56 PM. Reason: update
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