Cooling down an 88
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Cooling down an 88
It's time to do something to reduce the running temp of my 88's engine.
I have read some of the previous threads and I am going to put in a 160 thermostat, but I have 2 Questions. Can the ECM be adjusted to turn the fan on at a lower temperature? If I bypass the ECM and install a switch ( I don't have an aux cooling fan) will that have any adverse effects on the ECM? Thanks for the help!
I have read some of the previous threads and I am going to put in a 160 thermostat, but I have 2 Questions. Can the ECM be adjusted to turn the fan on at a lower temperature? If I bypass the ECM and install a switch ( I don't have an aux cooling fan) will that have any adverse effects on the ECM? Thanks for the help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego, Ca
I'm pretty sure it worked just fine from the factory and you might want to get it back to what that was before you do anything to it. A lower thermostat isn't going to keep it from seeing whatever temps it's showing now. Turning the cooling fan on earlier and running it longer just adds to the electrical load and once it's overloaded, the fan is going to slow down and your temps will rise even more. So what temps - cruise and idle - are you seeing? Have you confirmed the dash readout by comparing it to the temp signal from the coolant temp sensor? Is it boiling over?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
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From: Windermere FL
I have a 90, but some of this may apply to you.
1. Do not go to a 160. If you must change thermo, go to 180. I ran 160 for a long time and 180 makes it run better.
2. Clean out the crap between your radiator and AC condensor. Then see if that helps. If not, go to step 3.
3. I replaced my radiator with a DeWitts unit. Much improvement over stock, but only do this if you are not satisfied after step 2. I also put in a high flow Victor water pump and new hoses too.
4. Try water wetter when you refill your radiator. Many people swear it helps. Also use the minimum amount of anti-freeze that your climate will let you get away with.
You can get either a new chip or switch to turn the fans on earlier, but that will only delay the enividable.
1. Do not go to a 160. If you must change thermo, go to 180. I ran 160 for a long time and 180 makes it run better.
2. Clean out the crap between your radiator and AC condensor. Then see if that helps. If not, go to step 3.
3. I replaced my radiator with a DeWitts unit. Much improvement over stock, but only do this if you are not satisfied after step 2. I also put in a high flow Victor water pump and new hoses too.
4. Try water wetter when you refill your radiator. Many people swear it helps. Also use the minimum amount of anti-freeze that your climate will let you get away with.
You can get either a new chip or switch to turn the fans on earlier, but that will only delay the enividable.
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Originally Posted by Chromedome
It's time to do something to reduce the running temp of my 88's engine.
I have read some of the previous threads and I am going to put in a 160 thermostat, but I have 2 Questions. Can the ECM be adjusted to turn the fan on at a lower temperature? If I bypass the ECM and install a switch ( I don't have an aux cooling fan) will that have any adverse effects on the ECM? Thanks for the help!
I have read some of the previous threads and I am going to put in a 160 thermostat, but I have 2 Questions. Can the ECM be adjusted to turn the fan on at a lower temperature? If I bypass the ECM and install a switch ( I don't have an aux cooling fan) will that have any adverse effects on the ECM? Thanks for the help!
I have an 881) clean the radiator, specifically the area between the radiator and the AC condensor. If you haven;t done it annually, you will be amazzed at what you will find
2) Install a 180 thermo. 160 is too cold in winter and won't help a thing in summer!
Try these suggestions before you try reprogramming
