Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Bahston Mass.
Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem?
I thoroughly flushed out the radiator, making sure it was flowing clean before I plugged it back up, and refilled it (50% distilled water, 50% anti-freeze). I bled the system, a couple times, then decided to go out for a quick ride. Well, when I left the driveway, it was around 185 degrees... About 2 miles down the road my (digital) gauge was at 248 when it dropped like a rock to 220-225 but stayed in the 225-230 range.. I went right back home, bled the system again, and topped the reservoir off... But, even after that , the car, at an idle in my garage , on a 39 degree night, was right at 225. Why's it so high, sound like a stuck T-Stat???
I've been reading the archives all night, and have a pretty good idea that a lot of people have had this same question, but I'm hoping someone with a similiar problem can help out..
Also, is it always smart to check for blockage in front of the radiator????
Jeff
[Modified by Jbaker, 11:21 PM 4/24/2003]
I've been reading the archives all night, and have a pretty good idea that a lot of people have had this same question, but I'm hoping someone with a similiar problem can help out..
Also, is it always smart to check for blockage in front of the radiator????
Jeff
[Modified by Jbaker, 11:21 PM 4/24/2003]
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Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
Have you checked the front of the radiator for road trash build up? That'll raise temps quick.
If you're using the stock stat you'll see normal temps around 220 all of the time. :yesnod:
If you're using the stock stat you'll see normal temps around 220 all of the time. :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Blue 92)
I've been reading a lot about all the build-up problems in front of the radiator.. is there an easy way to access this area, or is the best bet to put the car on the ramps and get it from underneath?? (bear with me, new to the world of Vettes!)
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Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
The best way is to pull the shrouds and clean it.
You can get some from underneath. I've also used a soft wheel brush duct taped to a dowel rod through the AC inlet on the passenger side to gently (don't want to bend the radiator fins) sone of the build up off.
You can get some from underneath. I've also used a soft wheel brush duct taped to a dowel rod through the AC inlet on the passenger side to gently (don't want to bend the radiator fins) sone of the build up off.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Blue 92)
Thanks for the tip! I just went down, and checked on the passenger side, where the AC enters, like you said, and I could see right in, and there's a bunch of leaves at the bottom, and a few small pcs here and there.. I wouldn't think it'd be enough to cause any problems though?? Or, with the (small) size of these radiators, is every inch necessary for proper cooling??
I was really hoping to find an old cup, or pc of cardboard in there :(
I was really hoping to find an old cup, or pc of cardboard in there :(
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
Pull your rad cap and look for coolant flow. If your at 225 there should be visible coolant flow. If not than thermostat probably is stuck closed or just barely open. Good Luck !!! :cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (AGENT 86)
Good flow, I checked that last night. It made me nervous, because the hose coming from the Tstat housing was staying cold for quite a while, then the floodgates seemed to open, but, it didn't get hot till around 195-200(hose) so it may be a problem since my factory Tstat is SUPPOSED to be 180?!?
Jeff
Jeff
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Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
The factory stat in LT1/4 is 180. If your temps continue to rise steadily at 180 then it might be stuck, they should pause for a few seconds when the stat opens.
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Le Mans Master
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From: More cowbell...
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Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (vader86)
If all else fails- new t-stat, cleaning the radiator, etc.. you might want to take a look at your water pump. I couldnt keep my car below 220, and it turned out my water pump was on its last legs..
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Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
Ummm.... pull the shroud. It's unbelievable how much stuff collects near the top of the radiator itself:
:eek: :eek: :eek:
There is a great tech tip on it also: https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: <--- you'll need these!!! :lol:
BTW: I pulled the entire radiator out to clean it. There was simply no other way to get all of the crud out. After cleaning it, the temps would never get above 220 even here in Hotlanta! The first fan would kick on and arrest the temprature climb immediately.
[Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:34 AM 4/25/2003]
:eek: :eek: :eek:
There is a great tech tip on it also: https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: <--- you'll need these!!! :lol:
BTW: I pulled the entire radiator out to clean it. There was simply no other way to get all of the crud out. After cleaning it, the temps would never get above 220 even here in Hotlanta! The first fan would kick on and arrest the temprature climb immediately.
[Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:34 AM 4/25/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (ShawnZR-1)
Now THAT, is a lot of crap!! I can see, through the passenger side, right in, and there are a few leaves at the bottom, but nothing else, really. The only thing I can't see, that way, is what's inside the fins... I really DIDNT want to pull the radiator, considering I just refilled my entire system :crazy:
Melting Slicks
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
What were your temps before you flushed the coolant?
If you pulled the knock sensors to drain the block, it can take a few cycles to get all the air out.
Becare if you try to use a brush on the radiator without removing it. The fins are like heavy duty aluminum foil.
If you are not running the AC then temps in the 225 range are pretty normal at idle or below 40MPH.
With an LT1, you'll see the same coolant flow at the expansion tank whether the thermostat is open or closed.
[Modified by John Row, 11:48 AM 4/25/2003]
If you pulled the knock sensors to drain the block, it can take a few cycles to get all the air out.
Becare if you try to use a brush on the radiator without removing it. The fins are like heavy duty aluminum foil.
If you are not running the AC then temps in the 225 range are pretty normal at idle or below 40MPH.
With an LT1, you'll see the same coolant flow at the expansion tank whether the thermostat is open or closed.
[Modified by John Row, 11:48 AM 4/25/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (John Row)
Sorry to say I'm not sure of coolant temps before the flush, I never really drove it long enough to let it heat up, it's been living in a garage all winter (just bought it in October).
But, I took it out at lunch, and bled the system , with the car running, and it seemed to let out a couple seconds worth of air before the fluid came out. On the way back (15 minute back roads) to work, it never broke over 196 unless I was at a light, it went to 202. As soon as I'd get moving again it'd go back to 196... So, it sounds like it MIGHT be working properly??
Jeff
But, I took it out at lunch, and bled the system , with the car running, and it seemed to let out a couple seconds worth of air before the fluid came out. On the way back (15 minute back roads) to work, it never broke over 196 unless I was at a light, it went to 202. As soon as I'd get moving again it'd go back to 196... So, it sounds like it MIGHT be working properly??
Jeff
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From: Trollhattan,Sweden
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (Jbaker)
Last winter I pulled my radiator, cleaned up between the radiators, and also straigthened out all of the little fins in the radiator (I think there´s something like 15 000 fins...). After this my temp never exceeds 175 degrees in highway driving. It´s worth the effort. :D
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (bogus)
Well, it seems to have, so far. A decent ride, stop and go, never let me go over 200, and it was about 61-62 out, at the time... It let about 3 seconds worth of air out :)
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From: Indianapolis IN
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (91BlkonBlk)
I cleaned the crap from my radiator again @ 1 week ago, I did it last year @ this time and it looks like this is a yearly project.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Flushed Radiator tonight, new problem? (ld85)
Just an idea, but would the smaller version of a shop vac, with the crevice tool work, to reach in and get the bigger things (leaves/paper, etc)?? Then you could snap the little furry carpet tool on the end of the wand, and "vacuum" the fins?