Heats while stopped, cools when moving
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Riverview FL
Heats while stopped, cools when moving
Hello everyone,
I'm a DIY kind of guy and I'd like some help diagnosing this problem before I put the Vette on the lift and start tearing it apart.
My 2001 Corvette Coupe, 65,000 miles, has started running hot while stopped at lights. The hottest it has gotten to is about 240F on the gauge. Once I start moving it cools back down to the normal temp of about 180-200F. My first thought is that the cooling fans have stopped working, however this car is garage kept most of the time and I wonder if maybe the thermostat or water pump may be going bad.
If you've experienced this kind of problem, what was the diagnosis and what was involved to fix it?
Thanks in advance!
I'm a DIY kind of guy and I'd like some help diagnosing this problem before I put the Vette on the lift and start tearing it apart.
My 2001 Corvette Coupe, 65,000 miles, has started running hot while stopped at lights. The hottest it has gotten to is about 240F on the gauge. Once I start moving it cools back down to the normal temp of about 180-200F. My first thought is that the cooling fans have stopped working, however this car is garage kept most of the time and I wonder if maybe the thermostat or water pump may be going bad.
If you've experienced this kind of problem, what was the diagnosis and what was involved to fix it?
Thanks in advance!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Two things come to mind immediately. 1) Check fans to see if they are coming on. Let car idle in your driveway, they should come on about 220-230 degrees. If they do not come on, check fuse, sensor and harness wiring to see if you have any shorts. 2) Vettes are bottom breathers. You can accumulate a huge amount of garbage in front of the radiator. Jack up the front of the car and clean ALL of the leaves, paper and other junk that you have accumulated. Hope that this helps.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Riverview FL
I didn't even think to check for debris, nor did I know the fans came on at such a high temp. Thanks for the input, guys! It's comforting to know there may not be anything wrong afterall.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I had the same issue I didn't know these cars ran so hot. I would check for debris even if you don't see it blow it out with a air gun you will be amazed how much you find. You have to remeber these car are bottom breathers/feeders so they suck up all types of crap.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
If it turns out that it is debris that's blocking the air flow, you can buy a screen to mount under the radiator which will prevent this in the future.
I have one made by ELITE ENGINEERING USA, but there are other after market suppliers.
Some prefer to make their own with expanded metal mesh from their local home supply source.
Be careful the manner you chose to clean your radiator. The fins are aluminum and deform easily. They canot be straightened with a radiator "comb" like the old copper/brass radiators, either.
I have one made by ELITE ENGINEERING USA, but there are other after market suppliers.
Some prefer to make their own with expanded metal mesh from their local home supply source.
Be careful the manner you chose to clean your radiator. The fins are aluminum and deform easily. They canot be straightened with a radiator "comb" like the old copper/brass radiators, either.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Feb 21, 2010 at 01:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 1,209
From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
yep, probably debris in the radiator. mine went from getting as hot as yours to not getting over 200 while sitting still in 110 degree weather with the AC on just by cleaning all the debris out. i actually pulled the radiator and took a pressure washer (very weak one) to it to get all of the almost sand like rocks out of the fins. it was crazy how much was in there that i couldnt see while it was on the car
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
This happened to me. It was the ground pack at the right forward frame rail was lose and broke off the frame when I went to tighten it. Its directly adjacent to the hood riser and the fan grounds go through it. It may not be your issue, but its a good place to look.
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Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Riverview FL
I took a water hose to the radiator and sprayed all the gunk out. Like you guys have said, it's amazing how much has built up down there. After a thorough spray down I took it for a cruise around town and it never rose above 200, even sitting idle in a parking lot. My hat's off to you guys, you saved me from one major headache!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Yeah, the tiny rocks in the vanes will certainly cause issues but make sure you check for those fans running when they should. I suggest a stronger spray source than just a hose unless the pressure was real high. You need a lot to get those rocks out of the vanes.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
When was the last time you cleaned out your radiator?
grass, sand, dirt even the smallest amounts will clog up the radiator.
I use a high pressure air hose with a long 1/4" aluminum wand to get between the radiator and the condensor.
Then blow air though the fins to get the dirt, sand and grass and who knows what out of the radiator.
Makes a big difference
grass, sand, dirt even the smallest amounts will clog up the radiator.
I use a high pressure air hose with a long 1/4" aluminum wand to get between the radiator and the condensor.
Then blow air though the fins to get the dirt, sand and grass and who knows what out of the radiator.
Makes a big difference
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
