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i own a 1994 corvette in southern california and its constantly over 100 degrees; because of this my car runs extremely hot like constantly 230 every time i drive no matter what and I have never seen my car below 210 even when driving when its cool outside. I bought a new direct replacement radiator for my car about a year ago and changed it but even with it in, there was no difference, i also have a 160 degree thermostat. I was thinking of getting a dual core radiator to try and help me reduce the temps and i also have a new coolant temp sensor that i guess changes when the primary and secondary fan turn on to 185 and then 200 but i haven't hooked it up yet. Are there any other suggestions i should do to help me keep my temps down and also are there any in particular good radiators that would for sure help me keep them down.
Tom, welcome to the world of C4 and CF too! Those are normal temperatures for an LT1/4. If you have the A/C running (fans on) and are moving at a steady pace you might see 190 but thats about as cool as its going to get in these cars it seems. The key is when the fans are commanded on, and your temp sensor will adjust that. This is why they run cooler with the A/C on, becaue that commands the fans to operate. Here in Florida it gets about 90 everyday in the summer with about 80% humidity, and with the sun bearing down, sitting in traffic, and you see that 230 temp number displayed, and the analog gauge peged, its unerving to say the least!
I do not own a late model but part of my problem was the AC condensor in front of the radiator is clogged so bad light does not show through. Age, corrosion and a painter who did not mask off the underside of the radiator opening sprayed it with paint as well.
I also found that everytime I install a new sensor I get different readings because the parts are crap. On the early models the temp display and the ECM main fan sensor were seperate. Is it possible on your car to look at engine data and see a different coolant sensor temp ?? Once again craps parts had me chasing temps until I discovered the new gauge sensor was 10° high. The buzz on the internet is motorad thermostats are not what they use to be.
Since you don't have to worry about freezing you could try an additive. Try draining your coolant and try Water Wetter or a product like that. I always use Water Wetter in an asphalt oval track car and it make a huge difference.
First you have to flush out the block with this system. Clean the AC condenser as noted. I blew high pressure air from the backside (radiator removed) and found a half cup of small rocks caught in the fins. This condenser has to be very clean. I then bought a Dewitts single row radiator. I use a 180 degree "fail safe thermostat". I use Prestone green with a bottle of "water wetter". I seldom get over 200 even in stop and go traffic. I run the interstate at 188. I did get up to 192 running at 70 MPH when it was 95 degrees out. Here in a normal running temp picture. Dan
Debris/blockage mentioned is probably the #1 cause of such issues in my opinion. Also do a leak check to make sure system holds pressure, and radiator caps functions properly holding 15psi+, otherwise steam pockets form easily and with low pressure it doesn't cool. Cheap Amazon or Harbor freight kits work well. Possible also you may need to purge air trapped in the cooling system.
i own a 1994 corvette in southern california and its constantly over 100 degrees; because of this my car runs extremely hot like constantly 230 every time i drive no matter what and I have never seen my car below 210 even when driving when its cool outside. I bought a new direct replacement radiator for my car about a year ago and changed it but even with it in, there was no difference, i also have a 160 degree thermostat. I was thinking of getting a dual core radiator to try and help me reduce the temps and i also have a new coolant temp sensor that i guess changes when the primary and secondary fan turn on to 185 and then 200 but i haven't hooked it up yet. Are there any other suggestions i should do to help me keep my temps down and also are there any in particular good radiators that would for sure help me keep them down.
1994 base model lt-1
Thanks in advance,
Tom
My 96 ran at those temps and although they are considered normal for that motor, it worried me when I was in traffic (or in line for coffee!).
I used the lower temp sensors like you are thinking of installing, but also a toggle switch under the dash to turn the fans on when I wanted them on. I never did have a problem with temps, but turning the fans on and seeing the decrease in temps sure went a long way towards reducing my stress!
Radiator problems
