Overheating Problem - SOLVED
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 1
From: TEXAS
Overheating Problem - SOLVED
Re: 2002 C5 with about 65,000 miles.
Turn the A/C on and the engine would eventually redline. Took it to the dealer and they changed the coolant and thermostat. That did not solve the problem. Took it back to the dealer. Coolant system pressure was OK, so it was not the cap. Finally figured out the radiator was clogged. Installed a new radiator and that fixed the problem.
Not sure exactly how the radiator became so clogged.
Turn the A/C on and the engine would eventually redline. Took it to the dealer and they changed the coolant and thermostat. That did not solve the problem. Took it back to the dealer. Coolant system pressure was OK, so it was not the cap. Finally figured out the radiator was clogged. Installed a new radiator and that fixed the problem.
Not sure exactly how the radiator became so clogged.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
From: Redding CA
clogged internally? The fins in the radiator need to be cleaned out every once in awhile as they accumulate a lot of debris. i could not even see through my radiator b4 i cleaned it. car runs about 20* cooler now 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Long Grove Illinois
The C5's pull air from underneath the car which causes them to pick up lots of debris ie leaves cigarette butts etc... Need to blow out the radiators on these cars numerous times a year. I've installed a screen underneath the car to keep debris from entering in the radiator area. Hope this wasn't redundant for anyone and can help someone understand the car better
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
From: Mohegan Lake New York
NOT CHANGING coolant@ 65,000 miles will NOT clog your radiator I doubt it would get cloogged if you left it in for 100K OR MORE providing the mixture was correct if the mixture had too much water and the car sat for an extended period MAYBE .radiators don't get clogged esp. the newer alum. ones as the coolant passages are significantly larger than the older copper/brass ones .mY guess is that that radiator was compromised during manufacture internal passages blocked of crimped.I have seen that numerous times.Changing coolant while good practice esp. a car like the corvette,but it doesn't turn to acid or mud or anything that would clog it up
Last edited by K RIPPER; Nov 5, 2010 at 03:31 PM. Reason: ,left out
Pro
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
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From: Dyer, IN
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 488
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From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Cleaning Radiator
So is this the way to clean the radiator? On visual inspection I do not have any dirt, leaves, bags,, etc. However I do start overheating in stop and go traffic/long idles. Checked the standard sfuff.
