Thermostat, cooling question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Rocky Hill CT
Thermostat, cooling question
Help!
I replaced the throttle body and thermostat in my 2002 z06 yesterday and I have some cooling issues. I used a 180* Hypertech Thermostat (technically for a ls1 camaro but was told it works and it fit perfectly). I filled with coolant and water wetter but here is the issue. Today was about 80* out and at idle the coolant temp goes all the way up to 228* but not higher. When I turn on the fan/AC the temperature goes WAY down but it won't get cool like that without me turning the fan on manually.
My question is could there be something wrong with the thermostat or is this normal? I will eventually get the fans programmed to come on earlier but this seems to be too hot given the ambient temperature. Any thoughts?
I replaced the throttle body and thermostat in my 2002 z06 yesterday and I have some cooling issues. I used a 180* Hypertech Thermostat (technically for a ls1 camaro but was told it works and it fit perfectly). I filled with coolant and water wetter but here is the issue. Today was about 80* out and at idle the coolant temp goes all the way up to 228* but not higher. When I turn on the fan/AC the temperature goes WAY down but it won't get cool like that without me turning the fan on manually.
My question is could there be something wrong with the thermostat or is this normal? I will eventually get the fans programmed to come on earlier but this seems to be too hot given the ambient temperature. Any thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Thermostats do nothing to control how hot your engine will run. It will only limit how cool it will run. If you drove your car in winter, you'd notice it will now hover around 180 instead of 195.
In hot weather, the cold end of the spectrum isn't an issue.
Once your coolant temp reaches 180, your new Tstat opens.
From there, it is up to the radiator and fans to limit how hot it will run. Since you've done nothing to change those, your max temp has not changed.
In hot weather, the cold end of the spectrum isn't an issue.
Once your coolant temp reaches 180, your new Tstat opens.
From there, it is up to the radiator and fans to limit how hot it will run. Since you've done nothing to change those, your max temp has not changed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Hill CT
So you think I'll be ok running the car as is until next year's reprogram?
Don't you think a top out of 228 is a little extreme?
Thanks in advance!
Don't you think a top out of 228 is a little extreme?
Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
Thermostats do nothing to control how hot your engine will run. It will only limit how cool it will run. If you drove your car in winter, you'd notice it will now hover around 180 instead of 195.
In hot weather, the cold end of the spectrum isn't an issue.
Once your coolant temp reaches 180, your new Tstat opens.
From there, it is up to the radiator and fans to limit how hot it will run. Since you've done nothing to change those, your max temp has not changed.
In hot weather, the cold end of the spectrum isn't an issue.
Once your coolant temp reaches 180, your new Tstat opens.
From there, it is up to the radiator and fans to limit how hot it will run. Since you've done nothing to change those, your max temp has not changed.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
228 is completely normal when idling in hot weather.
I wouldn't worry unless it exceeds 235 (the high speed fan turn-on point).. If it's running hotter than that, you likely have a clogged radiator issue.
I wouldn't worry unless it exceeds 235 (the high speed fan turn-on point).. If it's running hotter than that, you likely have a clogged radiator issue.
