overheating
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
overheating
I have an 02 ls1, runs hot in the summer, all stock, 50k miles, great condition, and radiator is clean, runs at 210 if stop and go. cools down if driving a ways, I would like it to run cooler, but is there anything that can be done, or do I need to backflush the radiator, or is there an aftermarket radiator that can be purchased and replace the original. Will a 160 thermostat solve the issue, or does anyone have any ideas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
This is the life of a "bottom breather."
It is actually okay to run her at these temps with no ill-effect. But, I am a bit like you and would like to control the temps a bit.
I am ordering the COOL IT kit that gives you control of your fans. The reason I am choosing this one is that it operates with a remote fob and will allow you to run the fans even when the engine is NOT running.
Here's the link:
http://www.saccitycorvette.com/COOLITv2.html
It is actually okay to run her at these temps with no ill-effect. But, I am a bit like you and would like to control the temps a bit.
I am ordering the COOL IT kit that gives you control of your fans. The reason I am choosing this one is that it operates with a remote fob and will allow you to run the fans even when the engine is NOT running.
Here's the link:
http://www.saccitycorvette.com/COOLITv2.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 403
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
I have an 02 ls1, runs hot in the summer, all stock, 50k miles, great condition, and radiator is clean, runs at 210 if stop and go. cools down if driving a ways, I would like it to run cooler, but is there anything that can be done, or do I need to backflush the radiator, or is there an aftermarket radiator that can be purchased and replace the original. Will a 160 thermostat solve the issue, or does anyone have any ideas.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
You need to verify if the fans are operating normally or not, then you need to wash out or blow out the debris in the condensor and radiator. As stated, the airflow to these is from the bottom and it needs to be cleaned out at least once a year if not twice a year. You do this by removing the radiator cover, then use an air wand or water wand type thing to blow back forward, from between the condensor and radiator. You will be surprised how much junk is in there in the form of tiny rocks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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I installed a Dewitts a few years ago and that helped but with the Maggie and running the AC I still see higher temps than I like. I had my fans adjusted to run longer which helped but I am thinking of going back to a 160 stat to move the water sooner.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I have an 02 ls1, runs hot in the summer, all stock, 50k miles, great condition, and radiator is clean, runs at 210 if stop and go. cools down if driving a ways, I would like it to run cooler, but is there anything that can be done, or do I need to backflush the radiator, or is there an aftermarket radiator that can be purchased and replace the original. Will a 160 thermostat solve the issue, or does anyone have any ideas.
160 t-sats are for parking lot queens.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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210-230 is fine but when I start seeing above 230 I start 
like I said the maggie with the intercooler adds to the temps on a real hot day especially in traffic with the AC going I start to notice a drop off in AC performance as well. For me cycling the water more frequently will help.
like I said the maggie with the intercooler adds to the temps on a real hot day especially in traffic with the AC going I start to notice a drop off in AC performance as well. For me cycling the water more frequently will help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Even in the middle of summer, I rarely see 210 and I'm running the stock thermostat. Yes, I will run the hvac so the AC is on therefore the fans are running. My average is anywhere from 196 to 206. This is just driving around town temps as well as freeway.