'88 coupe still overheating....

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Dec 10, 2003 | 07:25 PM

ckk1988

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Tuscaloosa Alabama

'88 coupe still overheating....

I have an '88 coupe that started overheating about a week ago. Put it in the shop and replaced the radiator along with all hoses. Car still ran hot, excessively hot. Mechanic told us it could be a blown head gasket, or a cracked head. I wanted a second opinion and took it to the local dealer, which my parents know pretty well. Haven't heard from them as of yet. I have checked the oil to see if any water was in it, and there doesn't seem to be any . No milky coloration, etc...If the head is cracked, would it be better to go back with stock heads or an aftermarket set of aluminum heads. Which would be better to use if I wanted to increase the performance of the engine. Thanks :confused:

Dec 10, 2003 | 09:33 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

Likes: 45

From: San Pedro CA

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (ckk1988)

the 1988 has aluminum heads. if it has been running THAT hot, then you might have warped the heads...

check the electrics to make sure the fans are working. this is a diag issue that your average untrained tech may not know to look for.

and make sure the t-stat is opening...

Dec 10, 2003 | 09:54 PM

hngacurv

Race Director

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 17,367

Likes: 1

From: Kentucky

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (bogus)

What kind of temps were you hitting?

Dec 10, 2003 | 10:54 PM

CoolVette86

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 12,182

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From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (Oldman)

These guys have almost all the bases covered. I'd just like to add that you could also:

1. Check the front airdam, first of all making sure it's there! Second, making sure that it's sound.

2. Check the cooling fan relay located right in front of the battery. Look for burnt wire around there as well.

3. Check to see if the mech install the thermostat wrong side down! It has happened to a couple of people I know.

Good luck. :chevy

Dec 11, 2003 | 03:51 AM

silver84

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 937

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From: Bedford Tx

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (ckk1988)

1. Take the thermostat out.
2. Operate Corvette for a few minutes.
3. Make sure the fan comes on.
4. Tell us what happens.

Dec 11, 2003 | 08:40 AM

ROCKY85

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 128

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From: tampa fl

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (ckk1988)

I agree with everything above, except here's one thing not mentioned, mineral build -up in the block and coolant tubing. I know because I had some of the same symptoms after changing thermostat (believing this to be the problem). This was corrected by a product available at the auto stores, it requires draining of all coolant and replacement with distilled water and the product (Ihad to do this several times) and given what came out and my reduced temps. it was well worth it. Just a simpler thought. :flag :flag

Dec 12, 2003 | 04:30 PM

ckk1988

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Tuscaloosa Alabama

Re: '88 coupe still overheating.... (ckk1988)

I appreciate everyones responses to my query. We spoke to the mechanic and it does have a crecked head. Would it be better to go back with stock heads or should look to the aftermarket companies. I would like to increase the performance of the motor , not sure how far I want to go. The car has 150,000 miles on it. Just talked to the dealer, they want 3900.00 to rebuild the motor. They claim it is going to take ~17 hours to do the work. Is this excessive time? Is the price to rebuild a high or is it close to the average figure. Thats without new heads. What does everyone think?