97 vette running too hot
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
97 vette running too hot
My 97 coupe is running at an almost constant 220 (according to the gauge cluster) the fans are working and the coolant is normal. is this operating temp normal? Should i get an aftermarket thermostat?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
An aftermarket thermostat will not change the operating temperature you are seeing. Your stock 195 degree thermostat is already wide open and the temp is still 220 not 195. How will a wide open 160 degree thermostat improve on that?
What is the operating temp when you are driving down the highway at 65 mph?
Bill
What is the operating temp when you are driving down the highway at 65 mph?
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Originally Posted by gpracer1
Must...........clean...........radiator. ........debris............
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
there is not much radiator there....a good cleaning with a soft brush and a hose will usually get it out. there could still be stuff between the rad and condensor. I put in a bottle of water wetter and with that and a good hosing hosing down ...temps dropped about 12 degrees.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga TN
Another thing to check are the fan motors. I was having heating issues while running the AC on my car. I bought a DeWitt's to help offset the intercooler being there to block even more air flow. When I put the radiator in, I checked the fan motors as force of habit and the low speed motor was dead.
Upon replacing that, and the radiator, the car is NEVER going to get warm when it gets cold outside.
Upon replacing that, and the radiator, the car is NEVER going to get warm when it gets cold outside.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
temp
you say the fans are running.......
1. does it take as long to warm up as it used to?
if it takes less time, like just a minute or so, it's a thermostat
2. does it cool down if you park it for 15 minutes after warmed up as
quickly as it used to?
If it doesn't, check for debris or a fan bearing dragging down your
fan speed.
3. does it get warmer sitting, like 20 degrees or more, then get cooler
as you drive?
definitely points to a fan not performing as well, due to lack of
airflow through the radiator when not moving
4. does it warm up normal, work normal, but seems never to cool off?
try checking for bubbles by bleeding the cooling system to
eliminate those hot spots caused by trapped air
5. does the dic and the gauge agree?
if they don't agree, check the cold resistance of the temp sensor
and then look up the table for temp vs resistance in helms
manual
If no manual; go to the auto parts store, and compare it to a
new one, meter and old sensor in hand.
1. does it take as long to warm up as it used to?
if it takes less time, like just a minute or so, it's a thermostat
2. does it cool down if you park it for 15 minutes after warmed up as
quickly as it used to?
If it doesn't, check for debris or a fan bearing dragging down your
fan speed.
3. does it get warmer sitting, like 20 degrees or more, then get cooler
as you drive?
definitely points to a fan not performing as well, due to lack of
airflow through the radiator when not moving
4. does it warm up normal, work normal, but seems never to cool off?
try checking for bubbles by bleeding the cooling system to
eliminate those hot spots caused by trapped air
5. does the dic and the gauge agree?
if they don't agree, check the cold resistance of the temp sensor
and then look up the table for temp vs resistance in helms
manual
If no manual; go to the auto parts store, and compare it to a
new one, meter and old sensor in hand.
