Coolant temp swings ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
Coolant temp swings ?
All summer long my all stock '01 6spd 40thou mi. had no overheating problems at all. In traffic I would see a 10-15 degree increase but back on the highway it would be 190-195. Now with winters' cooler temps I'm getting overheating in traffic, seems weird to me. I've seen 240+ in traffic and when I get to the highway it will cool off but not as much as it would only a few months earlier. I can smell coolant when I get out of the car but never inside, I have checked the recovery tank and it's at the right level. I've checked the motor, radiator,etc for leaks and can't find any? Recently I have heard a faint squeal on easy acceleration, could the water pump be failing without leaking? Any insight on this would be appreciated, I'm not enjoying the car right now thinking that somethings going wrong with it.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Trenton New Jersey
You might need to burp it?
Check this post out...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ng-issues.html
My stock 03 coupe had a situation last Spring when it would run extremely hot once in a while. Although the coolant tank looked full and there were no leaks my problem was that I had to burp the system 4-5 times and after that I was able to add nearly a gallon of coolant, which solved my problem. Its doesn't cost you anything to try it out and it might be a simple fix. Note: If you do try it then make sure you do it atleast 4-5 times because some people get discouraged when they see no change after the first or second try and give up too early. Good Luck!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ng-issues.html
My stock 03 coupe had a situation last Spring when it would run extremely hot once in a while. Although the coolant tank looked full and there were no leaks my problem was that I had to burp the system 4-5 times and after that I was able to add nearly a gallon of coolant, which solved my problem. Its doesn't cost you anything to try it out and it might be a simple fix. Note: If you do try it then make sure you do it atleast 4-5 times because some people get discouraged when they see no change after the first or second try and give up too early. Good Luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Take your garden hose and maybe even compressed air and blow out the rad core for dirt. Here's the burping info.
Start w/ a cold engine
Remove rad. cap
Idle for 1 minute
Install cap
Cycle RPM from idle to 3000 until coolant reaches 210F
Shut off engine
Remove cap
Start engine
Idle for 1 minute
Install cap
Cycle RPM from idle to 3000 until coolant reaches 210F
Shut off engine
Remove cap
Top off
Start w/ a cold engine
Remove rad. cap
Idle for 1 minute
Install cap
Cycle RPM from idle to 3000 until coolant reaches 210F
Shut off engine
Remove cap
Start engine
Idle for 1 minute
Install cap
Cycle RPM from idle to 3000 until coolant reaches 210F
Shut off engine
Remove cap
Top off
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 593
Likes: 9
From: San Antonio Texas
Check this post out...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ng-issues.html
My stock 03 coupe had a situation last Spring when it would run extremely hot once in a while. Although the coolant tank looked full and there were no leaks my problem was that I had to burp the system 4-5 times and after that I was able to add nearly a gallon of coolant, which solved my problem. Its doesn't cost you anything to try it out and it might be a simple fix. Note: If you do try it then make sure you do it atleast 4-5 times because some people get discouraged when they see no change after the first or second try and give up too early. Good Luck!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ng-issues.html
My stock 03 coupe had a situation last Spring when it would run extremely hot once in a while. Although the coolant tank looked full and there were no leaks my problem was that I had to burp the system 4-5 times and after that I was able to add nearly a gallon of coolant, which solved my problem. Its doesn't cost you anything to try it out and it might be a simple fix. Note: If you do try it then make sure you do it atleast 4-5 times because some people get discouraged when they see no change after the first or second try and give up too early. Good Luck!
In addition, it could be that in hotter weather you were running your A/C and that commands both fans to be on thus no over heating. With cooler temps only one fan would be on until you reach the predetermined high limit temp. Burping is your next best step IMO
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
I thought of that but I also figured the reduced winter air temps would keep the engine fairly cool inspite of not using an AC triggered fan. I can see I'm going to have to check fan function, burp the system, see if the rad is blocked, try to determine if its the water pump, thermostat, aging coolant. I can add that list to the window motor, fuel gauge, TPMS reprogram...list. I love lists. I recently installed a new battery is it either likely or possible that when doing that I could have killed a fan relay or fuses? I also notice a slight squeal on easy acceleration, does that indicate a failing water pump? When I last parked in the driveway, after exiting the car I did smell coolant but haven't seen any leaks and don't remember the fans running to try and knock down the elevated temps? So much work and so little time and $$$...?! The good news is I've got alot of hair so if I gotta pull some out no biggie.
Last edited by had2have-it; Dec 23, 2011 at 12:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Trenton New Jersey
Check for radiator obstructions like a bag.
Blow out your radiator from behind with a hose or compressed air.
You can gently brush the stones and debris imbedded in the front of the radiator with a narrow soft bristled brush. You'll be amazed what comes out. Just be gentle.
Check your fuses.
Try these solutions first and post your results. Afterwards if it still runs hot then you can think about troubleshooting thermostats, waterpumps etc...
Good Luck!