Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

[Z06] Z06 Overheating Issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2011 | 04:25 PM
  #1  
Thornton888's Avatar
Thornton888
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul Minnesota
Default Z06 Overheating Issues

Howdy, my 03 Z has been having progressively worsening overheating issues over the last year.

I first noticed it when it boiled over at an autocross event last summer. It was high 90s' that day and I was running her pretty hard so I figured that was the reason.

But lately she's been overheating regularly if it's hot out at all, including while in motion. On a trip to Colorado last month I was getting almost instant overheating issues whenever driving uphill (happens a lot out there...)and she ended up boiling over twice. Spoiling my dreams of twisty mountain road fun

I currently have her filled up with about 25% coolant, 75% water as it keeps boiling over and I just add distilled water to top off.

Any ideas? Thanks!
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2011 | 04:35 PM
  #2  
Kmcoldcars's Avatar
Kmcoldcars
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 286
From: Puyallup Washington
Default

Check radiator for cleanliness. Lots of debris can get in the front of the rad and block the airflow.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2011 | 04:44 PM
  #3  
Thornton888's Avatar
Thornton888
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul Minnesota
Default

Good call, I was thinking it may have something to do with the duct that funnels air in under the car, maybe something got jammed up there. I'll get under it tonight and check it out.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2011 | 08:35 PM
  #4  
Oleman's Avatar
Oleman
Pro
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 621
Likes: 46
From: Canton Georgia
Default

Originally Posted by Thornton888
Good call, I was thinking it may have something to do with the duct that funnels air in under the car, maybe something got jammed up there. I'll get under it tonight and check it out.
If you have an air compressor blow it out, it is a trap for a lot of grit you will not see.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2011 | 08:59 AM
  #5  
Evil Oil Apologist's Avatar
Evil Oil Apologist
Racer
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
From: Heath Texas
Default

You'll be surprised how much crap gets past the front radiator to the back one. I used a cardboard piece in between the radiators, so as to not blow stuff out of the rear radiator to the front. Then, I blow out the front.

Tapered brush can also dislodge the sand and grit. Just be sure to use an up and down motion.
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2011 | 04:44 PM
  #6  
Z06ster's Avatar
Z06ster
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Default

Originally Posted by Thornton888
...my 03 Z has been having progressively worsening overheating issues over the last year.

...
Originally Posted by Evil Oil Apologist
You'll be surprised how much crap gets past the front radiator to the back one. I used a cardboard piece in between the radiators, so as to not blow stuff out of the rear radiator to the front. Then, I blow out the front.

Tapered brush can also dislodge the sand and grit. Just be sure to use an up and down motion.
Indeed, since the problem has gotten progressively worse, this is great advice. In the event the problem still persists, you might want to consider a 160 or 180 thermostat. Ultimately, I recommend a DeWitts radiator. I have one and my temps barely go over 200 on the hottest Southern California day!
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2011 | 09:26 PM
  #7  
redroket's Avatar
redroket
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Default Over heating

I had this problem also some time ago. I blew out the radiator and everything else. After all of that i replaced the water pump and problem solved. I live in the Phoenix area and have 0 problems with overheating and it is 102 - 117 degrees and I regularly park and idle for several minutes at a time with no problems.
Good luck!
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2011 | 01:28 AM
  #8  
HisandHerZ06's Avatar
HisandHerZ06
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 826
Likes: 69
From: Seoul Korea
Default

Originally Posted by redroket
I had this problem also some time ago. I blew out the radiator and everything else. After all of that i replaced the water pump and problem solved. I live in the Phoenix area and have 0 problems with overheating and it is 102 - 117 degrees and I regularly park and idle for several minutes at a time with no problems.
Good luck!
I'm having the same issue that I have been chasing for years. I have taken my radiator off and clean the bejesus outta everything, inside, hose, air compressor, and made no difference. I am leaning towards water pump, cause my temps seem to go up with RPM's. if I baby it and keep it in a higher gear I stay really cool (190ish), but if I keep the RPM's around 4k or higher while cruising, temps go to 230+.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 29, 2011 | 11:48 AM
  #9  
Toxiclemonade's Avatar
Toxiclemonade
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Default

agreed. Definitely the radiator clogged up with crap. Mine was so bad I just replaced it. Just take the time to take it out and clean it out and you should be fine.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2011 | 07:48 AM
  #10  
Dave_2003_TRZ06's Avatar
Dave_2003_TRZ06
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Cypress Texas
Default

I know you have changed fluids in the cooling system, but have you flushed the system with a flush solution? I went thru a bout of overheating last year and found the primary cause to be passenger side fan motor had seized. I would at least make sure they are coming on. If the fans are fine, then I would possibly do a flush and change the t-stat while you're at to colder stat. The stat won't necessarily cure your over heating issues, it will just open at lower water temp and may help your system stabilize at a lower temp. I believe the factory one opens close to 200. As already mentioned, I would clear out debris between the radiator and ac condenser. You may also consider the radiator reservoir cap as well. If the system is not staying pressurized, you will boil over.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Z06 Overheating Issues





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:50 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE