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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 01:50 AM
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Default Coolant Temp

Just curious what our typical coolant temp should be. I have a 98 C5 auto and I have noticed that my typical coolant temp is in around 180* and if it idles for a long time, it gets up to aroud 215*. Just checking to see if this is normal, or if I may have an aftermarket Tstat installed in my Vette.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 01:52 AM
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I have the stock thermostat and my fans are programmed to come on earlier. I sit around 194-196 degrees. If you are at the 180 mark, I would think that you have a lower thermostat installed. I believe the stock one to be 190, anyone know for sure?
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 01:58 AM
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190 sounds about right. On a cool night or warm day w/ the A/C cranked I stay at 190.

warm day in heavy traffic I've seen as high as 235 .. that's florida for ya
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 02:03 AM
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Ive been watching the coolant temp a lot of my DIC since it turned cooler to make sure I dont romp on my car when the engine is too cool, and I have noticed even after several minutes of driving, it has run under 180* on the interstate and once it gets up to around 200+*, it quickly gets back to 180ish.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 02:06 AM
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I would check to see if there is any debris stuck up against the rad
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 02:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Zilla
I would check to see if there is any debris stuck up against the rad
This could cause my car to run cooler than normal?


I got the car from Carmax and it was transferred from another state, so I know very little about the car's history. I have already found one mod done to it, and I have been suspicious that a 180* tstat has been added since it is a fairly common mod.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 07:02 AM
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Your temps sound a little cooler than normal. Mine goes about 190-195 most of the time and can get up to about 220 in traffic.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Your temps sound a little cooler than normal. Mine goes about 190-195 most of the time and can get up to about 220 in traffic.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 01:21 PM
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Any other tell-tale signs that I have an 180* tstat in the car? It is more than likely this is the case. I also wonder if it may have a dynotune and/or lowered on factory bolts.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Your temps sound a little cooler than normal. Mine goes about 190-195 most of the time and can get up to about 220 in traffic.
Normal freeway driving 194, traffic 220 +
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 05:52 PM
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Since a thermostat controls the minimum temp of a warmed up engine, and your's is running at 180 on the freeway (typically the lowest temp enviroment) I'd say you have a 180 deg thermostat, and probably have your fans reprogrammed, if it doesn't get over 215 idling in traffic.
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 06:16 PM
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The factory stat is a 192.
The low fan speed kicks on at 225.
The high fan speed is supose to kick on at 235.
If I turn on my AC. the temp stays around 210, in stop & go traffic.

Good Luck
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 06:30 PM
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Depending on the model year...
For later model years:
The low speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 108°C (226°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 104°C (219°F). The high speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 113°C (235°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 108°C (226°F). When the A/C is on and the coolant temperature reaches 85°C (185°F), the low speed cooling fan will be turned on at vehicle speeds less than 56 kPh (35 mph).

For early model years: 97 98 and some 99's
Low speed fans come on at 219,high speed fans come on at 228,low speed with a/c on...
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 06:32 PM
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It sounds like your tstat is not stock. My mostly stock vette runs around 192-194 at highway speeds. Also, if it is staying at 180, then the tstat is cooler than 180. Their temperatures are rated at where they begin to open. I'd guess it is beginning to open around 170.
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