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

cooling problems on 96

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Old Sep 24, 2003 | 08:58 AM
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Default cooling problems on 96

I am having serious trouble with my LT4. It was leaking coolant from around the overflow tank, but not enough to really know how or exactly where. My mechanice replaced the water pump, and now it really overflows!

After even a few minutes of driving at higher rpms, not high speeds, just winding it out in the forst few gears, coolant blows out the overflow tank apparently. The car isn't overheating, the temp gauge reads les than 170 degrees when this happens. Ikeep taking it right over to the mechanic, but they are baffled. They trird to put a new radiator cap on it last time, that didn't help either. Has anyone had this happen to them?? Any ideas?? I just dropped the car off this morning at the shop to have them look at it again!!!! :mad :mad :mad
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Old Sep 24, 2003 | 09:01 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

Stuck thermostat perhaps.

Do you mean the coolant fill reservoir (black, pass side, near the firewall)? The overflow tank is the container in the right front fascia cavity
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Old Sep 24, 2003 | 09:46 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (96GS#007)

the coolant is coming from the overflow tank, in front of the right front wheel.
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Old Sep 24, 2003 | 11:25 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

the mechanic called and says it may be a head gasket leak, pushing pressuer into the coolant passages. Has anyone heard of this?? This is beginning to sound pricey. :confused:
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Old Sep 24, 2003 | 12:00 PM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

the mechanic called and says it may be a head gasket leak, pushing pressuer into the coolant passages. Has anyone heard of this?? This is beginning to sound pricey. :confused:
Possible. They can test the coolant for combustion by-products. In addition, check the oil itself for signs of coolant.
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Old Sep 25, 2003 | 12:19 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (96GS#007)

I would bet on a blown head gasket pressurizing the coolant system.
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Old Sep 25, 2003 | 01:33 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

My LT4 leaked a little from there. Unscrew the cap/dipstick and see if there is a cork type gasket. If it's there see if it has an impression from the tank screw neck.

I just doubled up the gasket - cut my own from stock - to see if it helps mine.

Remember mine was a small leak - you may have more serious problems, but apparantely that design is not that good as far as sealing & I guess it bounces around a lot. Also ck the level in the cool morning. Should be down pretty low on the dipstick.
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Old Sep 26, 2003 | 01:22 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

The radiator on my '96 is leaking along the seam between the plastic side tank of the radiator and the aluminum core.

I thought I was leaking coolant from somewhere, and a couple of days ago when I raised the hood, I saw coolant on the lower hose of the radiator as well as on my headlight bucket above the overflow tank!

Are you sure you don't have a leaking radiator that just happens to be leaking towards and into the area the passenger headlight bucket and on the overflow tank?

I'm just mentioning this because of what I saw on mine.

Randall
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Old Sep 26, 2003 | 08:25 AM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

The mechanic said there was signs of combustion by products in the coolant. Also a therm scan of the heads showed the passenger head to be 40 degrees warmer than the drivers side.
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Old Sep 26, 2003 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: cooling problems on 96 (spinedoc)

That doesn't sound very good! Since the car hasn't overheated, maybe new head gaskets are all that's needed?

Randall
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