Radiator Temperature
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 36
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From: Leamington Ontario
Radiator Temperature
I have a 2002 , 350 ci, 6 speed , convertible. I am always concerned about running too hot. The highest it has been was 225 deg , only for 5 minutes and then I got back on the highway. Can anyone tell me how hot my car can get without me being too concerned . If I change out my thermostat to a 160 would that help ? Is there any other suggestions i can do to help keep the temp down ? Thank You.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
It can get into the 230's without any issues. These cars are designed to run at those temps. You can put in a 160 stat and then have your cooling fans programmed to come on sooner. That will help more than anything. I wouldn't worry about the temps you're seeing at all though.
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Temps around 230 in traffic is pretty normal. Out on the highway you should run at around 190-210 or so.
The temp you are seeing on your car is OK.
The temp you are seeing on your car is OK.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: cold & windy
part of it is that the LS engines (which yours is only a 346ci) were designed to run a few degrees hotter than the old small block 350s to reduce emissions.
another thing to check is grabbing an air hose & long blower nozzle to get down in behind the radiator & a/c condenser to blow them out from behind. they get tons of crap up in there to block the air flow over the years.
another thing to check is grabbing an air hose & long blower nozzle to get down in behind the radiator & a/c condenser to blow them out from behind. they get tons of crap up in there to block the air flow over the years.
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Factory temp settings are low speed on at 226 degrees and off at 219 degrees.
High speed on at 235 degrees and revert to low speed at 226 degrees. As stated both fans run at low speed and high speed
and fans are commanded off by the PCM when the vehicle speed exceeds 35mph.
You can force low speed operation at 185 degrees by turning on the AC. High speed operation with AC on is still 235 degrees.
High speed on at 235 degrees and revert to low speed at 226 degrees. As stated both fans run at low speed and high speed
and fans are commanded off by the PCM when the vehicle speed exceeds 35mph.
You can force low speed operation at 185 degrees by turning on the AC. High speed operation with AC on is still 235 degrees.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2007
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From: Mid Ohio
C5's are pretty bad about debris collecting up in the AC condenser and radiator. So first thing is to clean that out. Then.. either live with the stock settings -or- get a colder T-Stat and matching tune. (must have the tune w/fan settings if you do the T-Stat)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Leamington Ontario
Thank you.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: Leamington Ontario
Thanks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 36
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From: Leamington Ontario
Thank you for your time.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Leamington Ontario
Thanks for your help
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
As others have said, clean the area around the radiator. Get a air nozzle and blow air from the engine side to the front bumper. Lots of debris gets on the radiator and AC condenser and will eventually cause temperatures to go up.
Le Mans Master
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I agree with much of what was said. There is absolutely no need to get a new t-stat. If you really want the fans to turn on sooner, you can do that with a tune. If I were you, I would clean out your radiator and condenser really well at least once a year, and don't worry about the rest unless you're doing significant performance modding, or tracking the car regularly.