Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine
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From: Dover AFB DE
Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine
My friend had to have a brand new GM Goodwrench engine installed due to a spun bearing in his L83. The place that installed the engine are just plain SH@*HEADS, so he won't go back to them. Anyway, the engine reads 212 degrees at idle and running. I don't believe the engine is actually running at this temp, because I installed a 160 degree thermostat, and it's chipped for the 160 degree stat. The problem is, that the original temp sensor doesn't fit in the screw holes for the GM Goodwrench engine, so I can't change it for him to verify if the temp is correct.
Does anyone know if a GM Goodwrench temp sensor reads correct on an 84 digital dash? Hasn't been a problem until the other day when I got the AC working and it went up to 250 degrees in town. He shut it down when it reached that, rightly so, and I troubleshot, but could not find anything wrong. Temp goes to 220ish with AC on at 60 mph, creeps up in town, but I shut AC down at 240.
Help, I'm at a loss, and he is about to move 60 miles away from me. He is NO MECHANIC is rather anxious and thinking about selling the vette.
Does anyone know if a GM Goodwrench temp sensor reads correct on an 84 digital dash? Hasn't been a problem until the other day when I got the AC working and it went up to 250 degrees in town. He shut it down when it reached that, rightly so, and I troubleshot, but could not find anything wrong. Temp goes to 220ish with AC on at 60 mph, creeps up in town, but I shut AC down at 240.
Help, I'm at a loss, and he is about to move 60 miles away from me. He is NO MECHANIC is rather anxious and thinking about selling the vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
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From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine (jjcslynn)
212 degrees is NORMAL for an `84 at idle. All the 160degree stat does is open the radiator to flow *earlier* in the warm-up phase, causing it to take longer to reach normal operating temps. His dash is most likely reading normal, since those sensors are all on 5volts (doesn't matter where it comes from, as long as it gets there...).
Anyway, for lower and more optimal temps you'll need to replace the fan relay switch to have the Fan come on at a lower temp (and thus keep the coolant... cooler).
In other words, it sounds like he's fine. The fans on my vette don't come on until 225 degrees (not sure about the A/C thing).
EDIT: I just re-read your post. The 250* is too high. The last time I reached those temps, my fan shorted out... You may need to clear out some junk in front of the radiator and make sure the coolant system is full (no air pockets) and the fan is operating correctly (visually make sure it's kicking on, or listen for it when you turn the car off). Also make sure that the little scoop under the front bumper is in tact. You should be around 210* or so on the highway, if not a little lower. Normal city ranges are 215-230 or so depending on when your fan flips on.
:cheers:
[Modified by Ramanstud, 4:58 PM 7/29/2003]
[Modified by Ramanstud, 5:00 PM 7/29/2003]
Anyway, for lower and more optimal temps you'll need to replace the fan relay switch to have the Fan come on at a lower temp (and thus keep the coolant... cooler).
In other words, it sounds like he's fine. The fans on my vette don't come on until 225 degrees (not sure about the A/C thing).
EDIT: I just re-read your post. The 250* is too high. The last time I reached those temps, my fan shorted out... You may need to clear out some junk in front of the radiator and make sure the coolant system is full (no air pockets) and the fan is operating correctly (visually make sure it's kicking on, or listen for it when you turn the car off). Also make sure that the little scoop under the front bumper is in tact. You should be around 210* or so on the highway, if not a little lower. Normal city ranges are 215-230 or so depending on when your fan flips on.
:cheers:
[Modified by Ramanstud, 4:58 PM 7/29/2003]
[Modified by Ramanstud, 5:00 PM 7/29/2003]
Pro
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From: Yukon OK
Re: Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine (jjcslynn)
I put a GM Goodwrench engine in my 85. Seems to run a little warmer, but never higher than 220 in heavy traffic with the air on in 100 degree heat. So, I don't think the engine is the problem.
Regarding the sensors. Just go to a hardware store and get the brass fitting that adapts the larger hole down to the size of the old sensor. They cost about $1.50 at Lowe's or Home Depot. Had to do that on both heads. If you used a different sensor that may be the problem. Go with the fittings and try the correct one first.
If you wonder if the temp is reading right, get a meat thermometer at the grocery store and stick it in the opening for the radiator cap while the engine is running. WARNING: do not open this when hot, but start cold and let it warm up and compare the readings. The meat thermometer will read a little cooler than the sensor because the sensor is on the head near the exhaust manifold and the thermometer is on the opposite side of the radiator in-flow. But, you should get some idea if you are close.
Previous post has some good points to check for overheating, but I am pretty sure the engine is not the problem.
Regarding the sensors. Just go to a hardware store and get the brass fitting that adapts the larger hole down to the size of the old sensor. They cost about $1.50 at Lowe's or Home Depot. Had to do that on both heads. If you used a different sensor that may be the problem. Go with the fittings and try the correct one first.
If you wonder if the temp is reading right, get a meat thermometer at the grocery store and stick it in the opening for the radiator cap while the engine is running. WARNING: do not open this when hot, but start cold and let it warm up and compare the readings. The meat thermometer will read a little cooler than the sensor because the sensor is on the head near the exhaust manifold and the thermometer is on the opposite side of the radiator in-flow. But, you should get some idea if you are close.
Previous post has some good points to check for overheating, but I am pretty sure the engine is not the problem.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine (LaVidaLoca)
Regarding the sensors. Just go to a hardware store and get the brass fitting that adapts the larger hole down to the size of the old sensor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine (CentralCoaster)
Won't the brass fitting corrode into the block?
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: Help... 84 temp problem w/new Goodwrench engine (jjcslynn)
A new, tight engine tends to run a little hotter until it gets broken in. Follow all the above advice to be sure the cooling system is in good condition. A rad flush may be in order, too, if it wasn't done at the engine install. A bottle of Water Wetter works wonders, also. Good luck, and...
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