Overheating
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Overheating
Hey there,
I am actually a msutang guy but dont kick me off to quick. I am trying to get a friends 93 vette back in order for hima nd we are having some overheating problems. I have done the normal quick stuff...changed thermostat, cleaned and flushed radiator, and cleaned in between condensor and radiator but the problem persists. I have noticed that the fans are supposed to come on at different temps (from reading other posts) but can not get the second fan to come on ( I know this is a problem) The first fan comes on at 225* and if I kick the A/C on both fans come on. With both fans on the car still runs Hot 240*+ As a Ford Man 220* is to hot for my taste but I understand the vettes run hotter, but just how hot is it supposed to get, what temp should the second fan (passenger side) kick on and where is the sensor for it.
I know this is long but any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
I may be a ford fan but I have always loved the vettes!!!
I am actually a msutang guy but dont kick me off to quick. I am trying to get a friends 93 vette back in order for hima nd we are having some overheating problems. I have done the normal quick stuff...changed thermostat, cleaned and flushed radiator, and cleaned in between condensor and radiator but the problem persists. I have noticed that the fans are supposed to come on at different temps (from reading other posts) but can not get the second fan to come on ( I know this is a problem) The first fan comes on at 225* and if I kick the A/C on both fans come on. With both fans on the car still runs Hot 240*+ As a Ford Man 220* is to hot for my taste but I understand the vettes run hotter, but just how hot is it supposed to get, what temp should the second fan (passenger side) kick on and where is the sensor for it.
I know this is long but any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
I may be a ford fan but I have always loved the vettes!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,067
Likes: 1,723
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Overheating (newtovettes)
The second fan should come on at 238F.
I think you should install a fan switch, to make it come on much earlier. The stock fan settings are too high for such a small radiator and rather weak WP.
If it still runs too hot then, Id change the WP.
I think you should install a fan switch, to make it come on much earlier. The stock fan settings are too high for such a small radiator and rather weak WP.
If it still runs too hot then, Id change the WP.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Re: Overheating (vader86)
I noticed while searhing the site that adding a manual switch is a good idea. But even with both fans running with the A/C on the car is still overheating? Would it be best to go with a larger aftermrket radiator and if so what is the best one and price?
Thanks again
Thanks again
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: Overheating (newtovettes)
Ok, you said you cleaned out between the condenser and radiator, but did you actually remove the radiator and clean the between the fins?
The fans are controlled completely by the ECM. If you are able to get both fans to turn on by turning the A/C on, then by all indications, the ECM is working properly. The best course of action is to connect a Diacom to the computer and see if the ECM is requesting both fans on. 240* is pretty hot, but I've heard worse.
BTW, I'm in Atlanta too (Northeast). If you need a hand troubleshooting, let me know. :cheers:
The fans are controlled completely by the ECM. If you are able to get both fans to turn on by turning the A/C on, then by all indications, the ECM is working properly. The best course of action is to connect a Diacom to the computer and see if the ECM is requesting both fans on. 240* is pretty hot, but I've heard worse.
BTW, I'm in Atlanta too (Northeast). If you need a hand troubleshooting, let me know. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 27
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From: Atlanta Georgia
Re: Overheating (ShawnZR-1)
I never got the second fan to come on unless the A/C was on. I did not remove the radiator so maybe that should be my next course of action. The motor has 130k on it and everything is stock. The car is in the Dobbins Area, and any advise or help would be greatly appreciated. The guy said he would do whatever it takes to get it toi run right. It is his daily driver and if he can not getting it running he said he will have to sell it and a new vette wont be possible. Cant see a vette guy going to a Maxima so I gotta get him some help!!! WHat about that aftermarket radiator...is it worth it in the vettes?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: Overheating (newtovettes)
Ok, the fact is, if the temps are still rising even with both fans on (with the A/C), then either there is not enough air flow through the radiator or the coolant isn't circulating fast enough.
I'd say there is more than just one thing wrong here. I'd check (replace) the thermostat, remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it, and do a complete flush on the entire system. I know I can't get over to the northwest this week (way too busy), but if you can get the car over to my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to lend a hand and tools. Come to think of it, I need to flush and clean my system soon too! I've replaced all of the other fluids, coolant is the only thing left! :yesnod:
By the way, lest you have any doubt as to how much crud gets sucked up and stored by the radiator, feast your eyes on this:
That was the radiator in my '92 with only 90K on the clock!! :eek: :eek:
[Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:43 AM 7/24/2003]
I'd say there is more than just one thing wrong here. I'd check (replace) the thermostat, remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it, and do a complete flush on the entire system. I know I can't get over to the northwest this week (way too busy), but if you can get the car over to my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to lend a hand and tools. Come to think of it, I need to flush and clean my system soon too! I've replaced all of the other fluids, coolant is the only thing left! :yesnod:
By the way, lest you have any doubt as to how much crud gets sucked up and stored by the radiator, feast your eyes on this:
That was the radiator in my '92 with only 90K on the clock!! :eek: :eek: [Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:43 AM 7/24/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,067
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Overheating (ShawnZR-1)
The stock radiator is small for a V8, but right now that is not your problem. It shouldnt really be getting so hot if everything is in working order and the radiator is clean.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Re: Overheating (ShawnZR-1)
Actually already replaced the thermostat and flushed the radiator. I wish I had known to remove and clean it good before it was refilled. I will make the attemts to do that next week for him. I appreciate the offer to help, I am actually a pretty decent backyard mechanic, but going from my stangs to his vette, well I just dont know any of the tricks. I checked this site under tools and found the instructions to pull radiator, pretty straight forward, and to wire a switch into the fans. Thanks again for the advice, hopefully that will resolve his problems!! As for the rest of the car, itys in great shape, he needs to replace the shocks/struts and get it aligned but it is a great running car. You never mentioned whether the aftermarket radiator was worth the $$.
Thanks Again
:thumbs: :thumbs: :D :D
Thanks Again
:thumbs: :thumbs: :D :D
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Re: Overheating (newtovettes)
Sorry Vader just saw your post, I figured it should be sufficient otherwise the factory would not have installed it. He has no plans on more power so I figured we should stay with the stock stuff.
Thanks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Overheating (newtovettes)
I have a 92 LT-1 which I just replaced the OEM water pump with an electric pump that has a higher flow rate than the OEM pump, especially at idle. I think you said this was a pre 92 Vette. I've seen guys talk about aftermarket pumps that really help out. If the radiator is clean and the coolant is new and there are no leaks (cap okay) then I'd say it's time to look at the water pump. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert Arizona
Re: Overheating
Sounds like time for a new radiator. I just went thru this same situation with my '89 (L98), and a new AC Delco radiator was installed this afternoon. It used to be 245+ degree temps in traffic ... now it's 215-225 degrees in traffic. And, I'm seeing 190-200 at cruise. This is in the 108 degree Phoenix heat!
New radiators can be had for between $125 and $175, and it's about two hours to install.
[Modified by SkunkCar, 10:53 PM 7/24/2003]
New radiators can be had for between $125 and $175, and it's about two hours to install.
[Modified by SkunkCar, 10:53 PM 7/24/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Overheating (ShawnZR-1)
Ok, the fact is, if the temps are still rising even with both fans on (with the A/C), then either there is not enough air flow through the radiator or the coolant isn't circulating fast enough.
I'd say there is more than just one thing wrong here. I'd check (replace) the thermostat, remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it, and do a complete flush on the entire system. I know I can't get over to the northwest this week (way too busy), but if you can get the car over to my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to lend a hand and tools. Come to think of it, I need to flush and clean my system soon too! I've replaced all of the other fluids, coolant is the only thing left! :yesnod:
By the way, lest you have any doubt as to how much crud gets sucked up and stored by the radiator, feast your eyes on this:
That was the radiator in my '92 with only 90K on the clock!! :eek: :eek:
[Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:43 AM 7/24/2003]
I'd say there is more than just one thing wrong here. I'd check (replace) the thermostat, remove the radiator and clean the crap out of it, and do a complete flush on the entire system. I know I can't get over to the northwest this week (way too busy), but if you can get the car over to my neck of the woods, I'd be glad to lend a hand and tools. Come to think of it, I need to flush and clean my system soon too! I've replaced all of the other fluids, coolant is the only thing left! :yesnod:
By the way, lest you have any doubt as to how much crud gets sucked up and stored by the radiator, feast your eyes on this:
That was the radiator in my '92 with only 90K on the clock!! :eek: :eek: [Modified by ShawnZR-1, 11:43 AM 7/24/2003]
Here's what mine looked like when I pulled it.
Cleaning it drop the temps 30-40°.