c5 overheating
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
c5 overheating
I flushed the system, cleaned the radiator, installed new water pump and TStat, still running 235-250 on the highway. I know waterpump and TStat are working. Cannot see or find any leaks. Would not having front spoilers affect the cooling system, or am looking at replacing the radiator?
Need any help and advice I can get. Thanks.
Need any help and advice I can get. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 15
From: Ga
Did you get all the bubbles out of the tank when you bled the system?
I flushed the system, cleaned the radiator, installed new water pump and TStat, still running 235-250 on the highway. I know waterpump and TStat are working. Cannot see or find any leaks. Would not having front spoilers affect the cooling system, or am looking at replacing the radiator?
Need any help and advice I can get. Thanks.
Need any help and advice I can get. Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
If you removed the front air dams on the car, that is your problem. The Vettes are bottom breathers. The center air dam scoops up a lot of air and directs it to the radiator. Reinstall the air dams, and I will bet that your cooling problems diasppear.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,050
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
...
omg...why would someone take the air dams off anyway?sorta like a guy not wearing undies and wondering why his stuff is flopping around
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 772
Likes: 23
From: Carlisle PA
Yep - what he said. Also check the rad and make sure it's clear of leaves and debris. core - all kinda stuff get sucked in there
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: The USA Rocky Mountain Area
Wow - I run at 180 F on the hi-way.
You are running way too hot, re-install the lower air dams ASAP, or order new ones if you dont have them any more. Wht anyone would take them off is beyong comprehension. If you look at the front of your car - it is closed off to the airstream like a conventional car, and the only way air flows through the rad is via the air dams that direct air over and through the radiator.
Yikes !!!!
You are running way too hot, re-install the lower air dams ASAP, or order new ones if you dont have them any more. Wht anyone would take them off is beyong comprehension. If you look at the front of your car - it is closed off to the airstream like a conventional car, and the only way air flows through the rad is via the air dams that direct air over and through the radiator.
Yikes !!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,420
Likes: 4,589
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
You are running way too hot, re-install the lower air dams ASAP, or order new ones if you dont have them any more. What anyone would take them off is beyong comprehension. If you look at the front of your car - it is closed off to the airstream like a conventional car, and the only way air flows through the rad is via the air dams that direct air over and through the radiator.
Yikes !!!!
Yikes !!!!
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I won't repeat on the air deflectors.
One thing I'd like to mention though. The AC condenser is in front of the radiator. Mine looked like it was pluged solid with crap. I don't know how it ever cooled or let air to the rad. Whoever said these are bottom feeders said a mouthful. Looks like they are also good at sucking up debris.
Since it was off I took it to the car wash and hit it with the pressure wash. Brought it back and blew it out with compressed air. Still has little pieces of sand and other debris wedged between the fins. Even though it wasn't damaged in the wreck, I decided to get a new one while It's this easy to change. Just saying, take the aircleaner assembly off and that big shroud and see how dirty the condenser is.
One thing I'd like to mention though. The AC condenser is in front of the radiator. Mine looked like it was pluged solid with crap. I don't know how it ever cooled or let air to the rad. Whoever said these are bottom feeders said a mouthful. Looks like they are also good at sucking up debris.
Since it was off I took it to the car wash and hit it with the pressure wash. Brought it back and blew it out with compressed air. Still has little pieces of sand and other debris wedged between the fins. Even though it wasn't damaged in the wreck, I decided to get a new one while It's this easy to change. Just saying, take the aircleaner assembly off and that big shroud and see how dirty the condenser is.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
When you say front spoiler, you are referring to the center section not the two outside pieces, or all three?
The center section that is spring loaded is a functional piece of the cooling system.
Owner's Video: segment on air dam see to the time counter 21:30, second item in this video segment.
The center section that is spring loaded is a functional piece of the cooling system.
Owner's Video: segment on air dam see to the time counter 21:30, second item in this video segment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,706
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
When you say front spoiler, you are referring to the center section not the two outside pieces, or all three?
The center section that is spring loaded is a functional piece of the cooling system.
Owner's Video: segment on air dam see to the time counter 21:30, second item in this video segment.
The center section that is spring loaded is a functional piece of the cooling system.
Owner's Video: segment on air dam see to the time counter 21:30, second item in this video segment.
AKA "The CLOWN"
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Chicago South Suburbs
I just hated to hear the scrape on everything! 180-200 is normal temps for me.
Last edited by Blitzkrieg; Dec 20, 2011 at 08:00 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
I would be one of those guys that removed the air dam! However I prepared for it by having my fans come on sooner, Z06 and plate screens, 160 stat and I have never had a problem, never over 210 on 95 degree day in traffic, and I have the stock radiator for now!, New Dewitts going in over the winter!
I just hated to hear the scrape on everything! 180-200 is normal temps for me.
I just hated to hear the scrape on everything! 180-200 is normal temps for me.
Speaking of DeWitt's, I can't emphasize enough how great they are. My temperatures dropped between 20 and 30 degrees. They're 3X thicker than stock. Have a blown car and living in Southern California, this was a must have!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,050
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
I would be one of those guys that removed the air dam! However I prepared for it by having my fans come on sooner, Z06 and plate screens, 160 stat and I have never had a problem, never over 210 on 95 degree day in traffic, and I have the stock radiator for now!, New Dewitts going in over the winter!
I just hated to hear the scrape on everything! 180-200 is normal temps for me.
I just hated to hear the scrape on everything! 180-200 is normal temps for me.
