C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Overheating Issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 11:33 PM
  #1  
MarkCBlock's Avatar
MarkCBlock
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default Overheating Issues

I have a 1998 C5 that is experiencing extreme overheating issues. I started by replacing radiator cap, then thermostat and housing, today the radiator (old radiator had small leak up on to by outlet). It still overheats. The hose attached to the thermostat never did get hot. There appears to be no leaks. Is the next route to replace the water pump? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 11:43 PM
  #2  
01'IndyVette's Avatar
01'IndyVette
Racer
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Noblesville Indiana
Default

Originally Posted by MarkCBlock
I have a 1998 C5 that is experiencing extreme overheating issues. I started by replacing radiator cap, then thermostat and housing, today the radiator (old radiator had small leak up on to by outlet). It still overheats. The hose attached to the thermostat never did get hot. There appears to be no leaks. Is the next route to replace the water pump? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
Sounds to me like you have air in the system. If you search there is a way to "burp" the system.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 08:35 AM
  #3  
vsocks1's Avatar
vsocks1
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 2
From: Cedarburg, WI
Default

Burp system first and them if you still have problems check the water pump!
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 08:36 AM
  #4  
dgrant3830's Avatar
dgrant3830
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Default

I don't think you have a water pump issue. Yes, insure there is no trapped air by following the burp procedure already provided to you. Next, check to see if your fans are actually running. You can do this simply by turning on the hvac to recirc with a cold temperature selected. Make sure both fans are running. Lastly, check for debris blocking the condensor. You may need to wash it or blow it out.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 09:25 PM
  #5  
MarkCBlock's Avatar
MarkCBlock
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default still overheating

I did the burp, it didn't work. There is no water leaking or the traditional sound of a water pump comming apart. The lower hose attached to the thermostat housing was still cold with the engine overheating. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 10:41 PM
  #6  
dgrant3830's Avatar
dgrant3830
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Default

Hope you didn't mix coolants...it'll possibly turn to sludge.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 12:13 AM
  #7  
Chicago1's Avatar
Chicago1
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 501
From: Rio Rancho NM
Default

Isnt 210 way to hot to just turn the motor off and take the cap off without it burning/exploding in your face?
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 07:49 AM
  #8  
dgrant3830's Avatar
dgrant3830
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Default

Could be simply that the tstat has failed.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 08:35 AM
  #9  
MarkCBlock's Avatar
MarkCBlock
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default

Thermostat , radiator and radiator cap have been replaced. I am going to pull thermostat today and try running without thermostat to see if that works.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:11 AM
  #10  
helga203's Avatar
helga203
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 719
Default

Originally Posted by MarkCBlock
Thermostat , radiator and radiator cap have been replaced. I am going to pull thermostat today and try running without thermostat to see if that works.
Try hitting the stat housing not to hard might break free diff sounds like stat stuck.my .02
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:34 AM
  #11  
dgrant3830's Avatar
dgrant3830
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Default

Maybe you got a bad one or it was installed backwards if that's even possible? I have not seen the C-6 tstat yet, so I don't know.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:44 AM
  #12  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

take the radiator out. Have it boiled to get all the crap out of fines and out of the core, then replace

or just buy a new radiator.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 01:36 PM
  #13  
dougbfresh's Avatar
dougbfresh
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Default

What temp does it get to? Do the fans come on.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 06:01 PM
  #14  
billla's Avatar
billla
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Default

<subscribed> I'm dealing with this too :/
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:16 PM
  #15  
Dolfan's Avatar
Dolfan
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Default

Is it possible to "speed" the burping process by parking it on a hill nose up? I know this helps my C4 by changing the level of the cap and fill compared to the rest of the system.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:19 PM
  #16  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,359
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Dolfan
Is it possible to "speed" the burping process by parking it on a hill nose up?
I think you should try it, and report back. I'm curious how much time you can shave off of the exhausting 30 minute procedure.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 09:33 PM
  #17  
Dolfan's Avatar
Dolfan
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Default

Well from my perspective the process outlined by 8Vette7 which may be spot on has 16 steps according to his write-up. I was only thinking that changing the angles might simplify greatly the number of steps in the process, I know with my C4 it goes lke this

1 park it up hill, cap off
2 run to temp
3 fill to level, check level in radiator
4 replace cap

Just wondering if it could be simplified.

I'm leaving all the other things I wanted to say about the tone/comments of the previous post to myself. Just trying to be constructive!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Overheating Issues

Old Mar 7, 2011 | 10:18 PM
  #18  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,359
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Dolfan
Well from my perspective the process outlined by 8Vette7 which may be spot on has 16 steps according to his write-up. I was only thinking that changing the angles might simplify greatly the number of steps in the process, I know with my C4 it goes lke this

1 park it up hill, cap off
2 run to temp
3 fill to level, check level in radiator
4 replace cap
I've heard this wives tale for years, and often wondered where it came from. When they first fill the coolant at the factory, they don't elevate the nose of the car. When they service the cooling system at the dealer...they don't elevate the nose of the car. Somehow, the only people that have to elevate the nose of a corvette, when filling the cooling system, are the corvette owners. Coincidence?
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 11:16 PM
  #19  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,359
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
On that car the overflow tank was mounted very low and you filled the radiator rather than the overflow tank.
.....which was typical on virtually all cars previous to that(except for my C2)....for those of us old enough to remember.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2011 | 07:09 AM
  #20  
dougbfresh's Avatar
dougbfresh
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
I've heard this wives tale for years, and often wondered where it came from. When they first fill the coolant at the factory, they don't elevate the nose of the car. When they service the cooling system at the dealer...they don't elevate the nose of the car. Somehow, the only people that have to elevate the nose of a corvette, when filling the cooling system, are the corvette owners. Coincidence?
This "Burping" procedure seems silly-I changed my coolant by draining and refilling and running with the tank open till it warmed up. As long as the overflow tank is above the radiator it should be simple. Many GM's I have owned or have now have a bleeder screw(s) for bleeding air out of the system (3.1, 3.4 and 3.8 liter engines)-the C5 didn't come with one-funny huh??

Many people think the temps the C5 runs it too hot when compared with other cars-it was designed to run hotter (many discussions on this)-if both fans come on and the temp still stays above 190-200 for long periods MAYBE there is an issue but I think the OP has some other issue but I don't recall him saying what temps it's running and if the fans are coming on at the correct temps.

Last edited by dougbfresh; Mar 8, 2011 at 07:13 AM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:49 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE