Cooling System Issue
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Tx
Cooling System Issue
I just recently completed the install of a set of Kook's headers and X pipe. During the installation, I broke the connector on the coolant temperature sensor on the driver's side head. I replaced the sensor, but during the replacement, I of course lost some coolant. Prior to start-up, I topped off the coolant reservoir. Now it seems I have an overheating problem. I checked all the electrical connections, and they appear to be sound. I do not appear to be getting any coolant circulation and the electric fans are not coming on. Could I have an air pocket around the impeller in the water pump? Should I just drain the system and refill to see if that does the trick? At this point I am stumped. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Rob
Rob
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I wouldn't think you lost that much in the sensor replacement, but even it you did you shouldn't have this problem. Start the motor cold with the cap off the resevoir and let it get to temp, see if it goes down. Also, what is the temp on the DIC that you get to before the fans come on, or do they come on at all. Have they been re-programmed? Lastely, pull the top radiator support and look between the radiator and the condener for crap. Also, look up from underneath the front of the car and make sure the car didn't inhale a plastic bag or something. I have gone down the road seen something like a bag that couldn't be avoided and then not see it in the mirror, right away I know what happened and sure enough it was on the condenser.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Did you by any chance use TEFLON sealant tape on the threads? Some temperature sensors need a clean connection to the host metal. Any type of thread sealant will not allow a good ground, throwing false temperature readings. Chances are the sensor has a tapered pipe thread (npt) which doesn't require any sealant. GM probably has a sealant that would not cause the issue if you want to use something.
It's also possible you have an air pocket causing erratic readings.
It's also possible you have an air pocket causing erratic readings.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Tx
Coolant System Issue
The fans should come on at about 180F, and the gauge in the car is getting to 230 with no fans coming on. I did not use Teflon tape or anything else on the threads for the sensor. This is what is so baffling. It does not appear that the coolant level is dropping in the reservoir when it gets to temp. That is what has me questioning having an issue with air that is not allowing circulation.
Rob
Rob
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Sounds like your fans are reprogrammed. Have you checked the fan relay?
When I change my coolant and fill the engine, I fill it from the resevoir until the resevoir is full, start the car and run it adding as needed. Never had issues doing it this way but mine is an 02.
When I change my coolant and fill the engine, I fill it from the resevoir until the resevoir is full, start the car and run it adding as needed. Never had issues doing it this way but mine is an 02.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
I recall prior posts about air pockets in the water pump that will result in the same issue you are seeing. There was a specific way to fill the system to fix the condition. If you do a search I'm sure you'll find it.
