Guys im having a cooling problem.. help!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 588
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From: TX
Guys im having a cooling problem.. help!!
I noticed the problem when the car was pretty much stock last summer but in the past year iv done a lot to it headers, cam ect... Well now that the summer heat is back in Texas im seeing the same problem. Around town the car can easily surpass 230 with the a/c on if I would let it. With it off it seems to get to about 220-225 and stay there until an open road of course. When we did the cam install I had them turn my fans on sooner and I installed a 160 themo. Iv got a set of high compression heads on the way so im really worried about the heat issue and detonation.
SO what is the Freakn problem?? what should I do now?
O the car is black and very low. I get a lot of road heat being so close....
SO what is the Freakn problem?? what should I do now?
O the car is black and very low. I get a lot of road heat being so close....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 588
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From: TX
Originally Posted by bayarea
take the radiator out and spray that ****er down 
I'm sure there's some trash in there that needs to be cleaned out
I'm sure there's some trash in there that needs to be cleaned out
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,596
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by SPD KILZ
How could i check just listen for it?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
If your radiator is clean, your fans are coming on and it's full. Then you may need to buy a aftermarket radiator. Many cars with mods in the south need extra cooling. Having your car lowered isn't helping also. You can try running some extra water, with some waterwetter, maybe 30% dexcool and 70% water and a bottle of dexcool. If this still doesn't work, I would be happy to sell you a nice aftermarket radiator.
Thanks
Randy
Thanks
Randy
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
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From: Sunshine State
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
I don't know anything about these cars, or how to keep them running cool, but I'm posting here anyway so I can run up my post numbers.
ET, you forgot a smiley.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,537
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
Originally Posted by SPD KILZ
How could i check just listen for it?
I suggest getting the factory service manual for the C5 and going through the troubleshooting section for overheating. Maybe someone who has the manual can post the procedure for the C5 fan test for you.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
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From: queensbury ny
160 degree
i don't know what all the fuss is over these 160 degree stats.my vette has the stock one in it with a cut up stock airbox and the big mouth air dam and i was at 187 last night in 75 degree temps,and 194-196 when it was 90 out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
I resolved similar issue on my 99 by installing a manual fan switch. Grounding pins 86 on the fan relays (1 and 3) will turn on the fans, on high speed. No codes or check engine light. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Look up under the car in the radiator shroud area. Look for trash, leaves, junk ect ect. Take a garden hose and flush it through the radiator from both sides and see if you get any dirt/trash out. Remove the top plastic radiator cover and see if there are is any trash in between the AC condensor and the radiator. That is a good start. If that is sat, we will go from there.
Bill Curlee
Bill Curlee
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
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From: Sunshine State
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Look up under the car in the radiator shroud area. Look for trash, leaves, junk ect ect. Take a garden hose and flush it through the radiator from both sides and see if you get any dirt/trash out. Remove the top plastic radiator cover and see if there are is any trash in between the AC condensor and the radiator. That is a good start. If that is sat, we will go from there.
Bill Curlee
Bill Curlee
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 588
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From: TX
OK im going to try cleaning the radiator from both sizes tonight when I wash it. Ill drive it tomorrow to see if helps....
O and ill look for a test in my service manual to test the fan motors. Although I would think there would be a check engine light if one the fan motors wasn’t working properly right guys?
O and ill look for a test in my service manual to test the fan motors. Although I would think there would be a check engine light if one the fan motors wasn’t working properly right guys?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The AC condensor AND the radiator can BOTH be clogged with dirt and trash. The AC condensor is in front of the radiator. If it gets clogged, NO air gets through. Trash can also get stuck in between the condensor and radiator.
BC
BC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 105
From: Northville Michigan
Matt,
Randy at DRM is correct!
The C5 radiator is not large enough for the LS1 or LS6 engine if you want to be able to keep water temperatures below 200 degrees F. You can put in a 100 degree thermostat and turn the fans on before you start the car, but it's going to get over 220 at idle with or without AC when the ambients get to summer levels.
In my Z06 I run the Vinci 172 degree thermostat, with a Ron Davis Racing radiator and oil cooler.
Hot summer day water temperatures get up to 200 or 201 at idle or in slow moving traffic. When I get above 35 mph, they drop to 185 degrees F.
Good luck with your decision.
.
Randy at DRM is correct!
The C5 radiator is not large enough for the LS1 or LS6 engine if you want to be able to keep water temperatures below 200 degrees F. You can put in a 100 degree thermostat and turn the fans on before you start the car, but it's going to get over 220 at idle with or without AC when the ambients get to summer levels.
In my Z06 I run the Vinci 172 degree thermostat, with a Ron Davis Racing radiator and oil cooler.
Hot summer day water temperatures get up to 200 or 201 at idle or in slow moving traffic. When I get above 35 mph, they drop to 185 degrees F.
Good luck with your decision.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Originally Posted by SPD KILZ
SO what is the Freakn problem?? what should I do now?
O the car is black and very low. I get a lot of road heat being so close....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Korreck
Me too.
ET, you forgot a smiley.
ET, you forgot a smiley.
