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Coolant temp issue

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Old Dec 4, 2012 | 04:17 PM
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Default Coolant temp issue

Ok, this is a weird one, i searched but didn't see anything similar...

I just noticed this on my way into work just now.

When i'm at cruising speeds 45-50mph; i see my temp gauge raise to 234* degrees confirmed on the DIC. When i come to a stop, the temps will drop down to about 217-220ish.

No trash in front of the rad, overfill tank is a year old but the cap is not new.
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Old Dec 4, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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Possibly a leaky head gasket?

New one for me.
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Old Dec 4, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by chris308
Ok, this is a weird one, i searched but didn't see anything similar...

I just noticed this on my way into work just now.

When i'm at cruising speeds 45-50mph; i see my temp gauge raise to 234* degrees confirmed on the DIC. When i come to a stop, the temps will drop down to about 217-220ish.

No trash in front of the rad, overfill tank is a year old but the cap is not new.
The radiator often gets clogged with sand and small rocks that are not easily seen. A good cleaning would be a first step. If the cap is not leaking it should be fine.
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Old Dec 4, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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I would be flipping out if my vette saw 234. I would be installing a new rad, pump and stat in a heart beat. None of that is that costly. I pulled my rad out a year ago and gave it a good cleaning, it's really the only good way to clean. Some would say if you go that far just install a new one.
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 03:28 AM
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i'm going to try with the easy stuff first, picked up a new cap on my lunch break and will hose down the rad in the morning.

i hope it's not the head gasket!!
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 03:59 AM
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Is your center air scoop still on the car?
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 04:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 65GGvert
Is your center air scoop still on the car?
Yes.
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 08:27 AM
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Since the fans don't run at speed, but do run when stopped, I thought maybe your air flow was not going up through the radiator. The when you slowed or stopped the fans kicked on and pulled air. I'm out of ideas unless the water pump isn't pumping enough at higher rpm's. Be sure to post as you troubleshoot, I'm interested to know what you find.
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 09:06 AM
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Things to look at:
Clogged radiator
Collasped radiator hoses
Check for a good flow/circulation of coolant....water pump check.
Do a full system flush and replace with DexCool and distilled water.
Check your thermostat...
Cap change is a no brainer.
The above is cheap and easy to do.
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Old Dec 5, 2012 | 06:50 PM
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So I cleaned the rad out with a hose, topped off the overfill tank and used a new cap. Drove to work mid-day; and temps never went past 212* while at a light and cruising saw 189-90ish...

However i noticed i will need a new radiator as it looks like someone tried to jack up the front of the car by using the rad as a jacking point, its crushed on one side but not leaking... yet.
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