Help! Running Hot
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
Help! Running Hot
I recently purchased my first C4 and the temp us running very hot. On a long drive the other day I checked and the coolant temp was 248. I pulled off the road to let the engine cool and took her home. The fan very seldom comes on and I found a new temp sensor switch in the console so I wonder if that is the problem. Please make any suggestions as to what to check and in what progression. Many thanks.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Re: Help! Running Hot (GemVETTE)
First , welcome to the forum . The first thing I would check is debris on the radiator. Vettes are notorius for collecting leaves and anything else you can imagine in front of the radiator. C4 s are like a vaccuum cleaner up front and you will be surprized how often you will need to clean it out.
There has been a lot of info on the overheating issue on the forum. I suggest that you look in the search section and look under archived . You will find loads of info there.
These cars are designed to run hot but 248 is pushing it. Most folks find ways to lower the temperature that kicks the fan on. Stock temp is ~220. Also check the tips section under "tools" at the top of the page. There you will find a wealth of how tos. Good luck and welcome to the madness. :cheers:
There has been a lot of info on the overheating issue on the forum. I suggest that you look in the search section and look under archived . You will find loads of info there.
These cars are designed to run hot but 248 is pushing it. Most folks find ways to lower the temperature that kicks the fan on. Stock temp is ~220. Also check the tips section under "tools" at the top of the page. There you will find a wealth of how tos. Good luck and welcome to the madness. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Help! Running Hot (GemVETTE)
A new temp sensor in the console is a good indication that this is not a new problem. You may also have the fan relay checked. If the car has the factory 195 degree thermostat, you should see normal operating temps around 195-205. As mentioned, make sure the area between the radiator and A/C condenser is clean. You can use a garden hose to flush out any debris by simply aiming the water stream at the fan side of the radiator.
If you haven't already considered it, have the entire system checked and do a flush and install new coolant in a 50/50 mix. A new thermostat may help too. Unless you have mods and want a lower operation temp, you can use a standard 195 'stat. A 180 degree stat would be another choice, but if there is something wrong in the cooling system, a lower temp thermostat won't help solve the problem.Check the condition of the radiator hoses. If a hose feels soft, it may be collapsing and cutting off the flow of coolant.
If you haven't already considered it, have the entire system checked and do a flush and install new coolant in a 50/50 mix. A new thermostat may help too. Unless you have mods and want a lower operation temp, you can use a standard 195 'stat. A 180 degree stat would be another choice, but if there is something wrong in the cooling system, a lower temp thermostat won't help solve the problem.Check the condition of the radiator hoses. If a hose feels soft, it may be collapsing and cutting off the flow of coolant.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Help! Running Hot (c4cruiser)
If you are not sure of your Vette's maintenance history, when it was last flushed, now would be a go time to flush it and replace the coolant. If you haven't heard before, use distilled water with your coolant. And don't change to Dexcool, stay with the green stuff.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1
From: Denham Springs Louisiana
Re: Help! Running Hot (Strick)
I stopped mine from running hot by getting the Hypertech Power Programmer III and changing the temperature that the fan actually switches on. I also installed the recommended 160 degree thermostat. It has never ran hot since!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Re: Help! Running Hot (GemVETTE)
Guys, this doesn't sound like a fan issue to me as he said it was hot while running on the highway.
Is the air dam in place under the front.
As others suggested, maybe the radiator clogged up with debris.
Next thing to check would be the thermostat.
BTW, did you check the analog and digital guage to see it they were both showing hot?
Is the air dam in place under the front.
As others suggested, maybe the radiator clogged up with debris.
Next thing to check would be the thermostat.
BTW, did you check the analog and digital guage to see it they were both showing hot?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
Re: Help! Running Hot (GemVETTE)
I agree with the other guys in checking for crap in your radaitor. Give it a good flush and see where your at. If your motor is built or you drive your car hard look at our group purchance on the forum for a better radiator. Best of luck!!
Thanks
Randy
[Modified by Randy@DRM, 11:02 PM 3/11/2004]
Thanks
Randy
[Modified by Randy@DRM, 11:02 PM 3/11/2004]
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
Re: Help! Running Hot (GemVETTE)
Thank you for the responses. I started this morning and put in a new sensor as well as a new thermostat and gasket. I will let the gasket sealer sit overnight to cure and try it out tomorrow to see what the temp does and to see if the fan comes on at 228 degrees per the service manual. I will keep your replies for future use. Thanks again.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
SUCCESS
It was the coolant sensor in the block. I replaced the old one and changed the thermostat and all seems to run cooler now. The fan came on at exactly 190 Degrees. I was told that the fan should come on at 226 Degrees but I won't complain. Thanks to all who contributed.