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C5 Corvette getting HOT 239

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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 03:10 PM
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Default C5 Corvette getting HOT 239

I have a 2002 C5 with 54,000 miles. I bought it last spring. Last weekend the temp got up to 239 in bad trafic (under 5 MPH) It was 96 out side. Today it is 87 out and the car got up to 227 in slow trafic. it went from 191 to 227 in less than 5 min. The radiator looks clean from what I can see and the overflow is full. Any one else have this trouble and how did you fix it
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by tdlong98
I have a 2002 C5 with 54,000 miles. I bought it last spring. Last weekend the temp got up to 239 in bad trafic (under 5 MPH) It was 96 out side. Today it is 87 out and the car got up to 227 in slow trafic. it went from 191 to 227 in less than 5 min. The radiator looks clean from what I can see and the overflow is full. Any one else have this trouble and how did you fix it
Is it cooling back down after the fans are kicking on or is the car holding 239 the entire time it's in traffic?
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Xx_Black-out
Is it cooling back down after the fans are kicking on or is the car holding 239 the entire time it's in traffic?
It just holds the temp +/-5. It will drop down some if I pick up speed (45 mph) for like 5 miles but still hot untill I get on the freeway and run 75
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 03:47 PM
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You might want to clean your radiator and in between the AC and the radiator; get rid of any leaves, plastic bags etc. I would bet on a a dirty/clogged rad as the source of your problems.
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jornahow
You might want to clean your radiator and in between the AC and the radiator; get rid of any leaves, plastic bags etc. I would bet on a a dirty/clogged rad as the source of your problems.
What do I clean it with? Do I have to pull it? Can I just spray some simple green on the outside and of it? Thank you
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 05:52 PM
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Also have a performance shop around town program the fans to come on earlier. Thats what i did, cost me $100 bucks but it was worth every penny because i don't see over 205 anymore. Used to run 230 but now it's 194 down the road and max of 205 in traffic. Maybe 210 if the traffic is ridiculous.

Just do it. Also clean the radiator by just reaching up from underneath the front bumper and pulling all the crud out the best you can without bending any fins
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 07:42 PM
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Lay down in front with the garden hose and nozzle and spray the heck out of it. You can also use compressed air.
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 10:37 PM
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I have a chip and my engine runs hotter than average but fresh coolant and an additive like Water Wetter will help.
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 10:50 PM
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Originally Posted by C5RClone
I have a chip and my engine runs hotter than average but fresh coolant and an additive like Water Wetter will help.
I took off the top shroud today and cleaned it the best I could. It looked realy clean already. I hope that helps
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Old Oct 3, 2012 | 08:12 PM
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Have your thermostat drilled and get a cool it from one of the vendors here... Absolutely love that thing, I live in Texas and even after running it hard I can maintain temps around 205 and I used to have the same problem as you...
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Old Oct 3, 2012 | 11:05 PM
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I think the OP should follow the advise of other posters and check the radiator/thermostat etc. At 54,000 miles there shouldn't be a problem, but everything should be checked.

Overheating can be one of the most damaging, and expensive, problems.

Is this something that should also be considered?

http://www.saccitycorvette.com/COOLITv2.html


.
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Old Oct 4, 2012 | 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
WOW, a Chip!!! Where can I get one????? How much HP did it add????
Control yourself now
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Old Oct 4, 2012 | 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
WOW, a Chip!!! Where can I get one????? How much HP did it add????
A real good trouble shooter....AND with a great "sense of humor".
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Old Oct 4, 2012 | 07:36 AM
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The check list should include:
Check the radiator cap. Replace?
Check the hoses...that they are not collasped or badly cracked.
Check and make sure the radiator is clean...between the A/C and radiator.
Full system flush and replace with 50/50% distilled water and DexCool.
Check the thermostat...could be stuck/not wide open at temp.
Check the water pump....make sure its circulating coolant at temp.
Check....make sure the fans go on.
The above is cheap and easy to do.
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Old Oct 4, 2012 | 08:52 AM
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Good checklist. Those items should solve the majority of overheating problems. Also, check that you have sufficient coolant in your cooling system.
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