COOLING HELP
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: BINGHAMTON NEW YORK
COOLING HELP
I just got my 96 C4 vette [my frist vette]and at a idele it heats up i thought the fans were not working but i have see them come on but thay come on at 255 and the temp geage olny gos to 260 is this normale or is the geage messed up
thanks in advanced for the help
thanks in advanced for the help
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork Utah
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
I think your fans are supposed to come on closer to 180*, not 255! That's running way too hot. On a warm day, I would hope that you wouldn't see anything higher than 230*.
I'd replace the thermostat no matter what, check your water pump, and make sure you don't have air in the coolant system you need to burp.
Also, there is a coolant temperature switch that plugs into your heads (if your car is the same as mine). It might need to be replaced or have the connection checked where the little gray connector plugs onto it.
Last but not least, I'd consider an aluminum radiator if you don't already have one. I'm running on average between 20-30* cooler with my BeCool than with the stock radiator. On top of that, use something like Water Wetter with distilled water (no antifreeze for the summer). Those are helpful in keeping cool.
Congrats on the purchase! They sure are fun. :cheers:
Cheers,
Shayne
[Modified by sspackman, 9:31 PM 5/18/2004]
I'd replace the thermostat no matter what, check your water pump, and make sure you don't have air in the coolant system you need to burp.
Also, there is a coolant temperature switch that plugs into your heads (if your car is the same as mine). It might need to be replaced or have the connection checked where the little gray connector plugs onto it.
Last but not least, I'd consider an aluminum radiator if you don't already have one. I'm running on average between 20-30* cooler with my BeCool than with the stock radiator. On top of that, use something like Water Wetter with distilled water (no antifreeze for the summer). Those are helpful in keeping cool.
Congrats on the purchase! They sure are fun. :cheers:
Cheers,
Shayne
[Modified by sspackman, 9:31 PM 5/18/2004]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: BINGHAMTON NEW YORK
Re: COOLING HELP (sspackman)
i also forgot to say it heats up in traffic but at highway speed it stays normal. thanks for your info i will change it as soon as it gets back from the body shop getting custom paint work done
and yes its a blast to drive :cheers:
and yes its a blast to drive :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
I'd check the accuracy of the gauge first. At those temps, I think you'd be losing coolant through the overflow tank. Might want to invest in a scanner - you'll need one that's OB2 compatible, but there's a wealth of information available in the serial data stream. With the scanner, you'll be able to see the engine coolant temp sensor signal to the PCM and verify that it's turning on the fans at the right time. You can also compare the gauge temp readout to the coolant temp sensor - should be within a few degrees. You can check the a/c pressure switch too, which should be turning on the fans when the a/c is on regardless of coolant temp.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: BINGHAMTON NEW YORK
Re: COOLING HELP (SunCr)
come to think of it i dont remember seeing the fans on when the ac was on but the tech at the dealer told me that he scaned it and found nothing worng and he even turned the fans on with the scan tool its not that i dont trust the dealer but i wanted some input from corvette oners to
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
Sounds like its running a bit hot. You might want to change your TStat and
check for build-up in your radiator. On the drivers side of your engine there
is a 1 1/2 inch hole to look to see if you have leaves etc. blocking the cooling
of your radiator. If it is blocked up the best way to clear it is to get a PCV
attachment(3 ft) and use this with your vacuum cleaner. :thumbs:
check for build-up in your radiator. On the drivers side of your engine there
is a 1 1/2 inch hole to look to see if you have leaves etc. blocking the cooling
of your radiator. If it is blocked up the best way to clear it is to get a PCV
attachment(3 ft) and use this with your vacuum cleaner. :thumbs:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork Utah
Re: COOLING HELP (CE King)
I'm not SunCR, but I can vouge for DataMaster and Diacom+. I use both. DataMaster is much better though! You can find cables from a lot of places. I think Craig Moates even has them now.
Shayne
Shayne
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: COOLING HELP (CE King)
Depends on how much you want to spend. The Auto X-ray is good for the DYI and is what I primarily use. I also have access to a Tech 2 with Mitchell software, but it's pricey, so I'm happy just to borrow it. You can check EBay for used. Auto X-ray is available at any of discounters.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 182
Likes: 4
From: Gardena CA
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
Sounds like you're running too hot, if your gauges are correct. With a 180 degree thermostat, I was running about 194 deg on the freeway. On a hot day in traffic, I would reach up to 221 deg. Yesterday, I switch to a 160 deg thermostat and I'm running about 174 deg on the freeways.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Henderson Nevada
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
Step 1 Get shop manual or repair manual from auto parts store.
Step 2 Look under fan relays.
You can do a quick check of the relays by turnning on the A/C, with the A/C on the main fan should come on right away, if not you may have bigger problems. But get the books they'll come in handy for other problems too.
[Modified by JOatey, 1:47 AM 5/20/2004]
Step 2 Look under fan relays.
You can do a quick check of the relays by turnning on the A/C, with the A/C on the main fan should come on right away, if not you may have bigger problems. But get the books they'll come in handy for other problems too.
[Modified by JOatey, 1:47 AM 5/20/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: COOLING HELP (C4EMT)
1. When was the last time the coolant was changed?
2. Clean the fins in the radiator, especially in between the condensor and the radiator.
3. Changing your thermostat is okay, but stay away from the 160. 180 is about as low as you should go.
4. Fans, GM wanted the LT1/4 engines to run around 210-220 degrees for emissions and fuel mileage. They run much better in the 190-200 range and wear becomes a problem below 180.
5. The OEM cooolant pump is not very efficent at low rpms. I went with an electric coolant pump that circulates at a constant speed no matter what rpm you are at.
6. Back to fans, turn your A/C on and check that your fan is on, if not you have a problem. Now check your fan relays.
7. I agree with you buying a Helms Service Manual for your year Vette. There is no substitue.
Don't you just love these little plastic go carts? :thumbs: It's a disease.
2. Clean the fins in the radiator, especially in between the condensor and the radiator.
3. Changing your thermostat is okay, but stay away from the 160. 180 is about as low as you should go.
4. Fans, GM wanted the LT1/4 engines to run around 210-220 degrees for emissions and fuel mileage. They run much better in the 190-200 range and wear becomes a problem below 180.
5. The OEM cooolant pump is not very efficent at low rpms. I went with an electric coolant pump that circulates at a constant speed no matter what rpm you are at.
6. Back to fans, turn your A/C on and check that your fan is on, if not you have a problem. Now check your fan relays.
7. I agree with you buying a Helms Service Manual for your year Vette. There is no substitue.
Don't you just love these little plastic go carts? :thumbs: It's a disease.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 4
From: Heidelberg PA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: COOLING HELP (rhooven)
Have you cleaned out the area between the a/c condensor(it looks like the radiator but is for the a/c) sorry if name is wrong, and the radiator. Our cars are like a sweeper for leaves, paper, etc and it ends up here.
Then consider a fan switch that kicks on at 180, or check in tech tips and wire up a switch to turn the fan/fans on when you want.
I hate to see my temps above 200.
Enjoy your car!!!!!
Then consider a fan switch that kicks on at 180, or check in tech tips and wire up a switch to turn the fan/fans on when you want.
I hate to see my temps above 200.
Enjoy your car!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: BINGHAMTON NEW YORK
Re: COOLING HELP (85vet)
THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE HELPED I JUST GOT THE CAR A WEEK A GO SO I DONT KNOW WHEN THE LAST TIME ITS SEEN A COOLENT CHANGE I WILL LOOK FOR THE CRAP IN FRONT OF THE RAD AND SEE IF IT BLOCKED
LIKE I SEAD I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND MOST OF IT HAS BEEN IN THE BODY SHOP GETTING COSTOM RACEING STRIPS BUT I HAVE HAD A BLAST WITH IT WHEN I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT
:steering:
LIKE I SEAD I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND MOST OF IT HAS BEEN IN THE BODY SHOP GETTING COSTOM RACEING STRIPS BUT I HAVE HAD A BLAST WITH IT WHEN I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT
:steering:
