2002 Engine Overheating
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad NM
2002 Engine Overheating
Engine overheats at idle and when driving at highway speed. It even pegs out at 260, then reduces power to engine. I've checked everything suggested in other post. Took plastic cover off of radiator housing and back flushed both units, checked fuses, checked both fans and they both operate at the prescribed temps, checked the pressure on both hoses when hot (they both are tight), replaced the thermostat (went back in with the standard 187 degree), burped the system three times (appears to be ok). It "bubbles" back into the reservoir (looking to the side of the reservoir through the clear "T"). The reservoir is at "FULL" when cold. Cools down pretty quickly when I shut the engine off. Started the problem all of a sudden. Any other ideas other than replace the radiator? Have 109,XXX miles on it. Thanks.....
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad NM
Purged per your instructions, 8vette7. My configuration must be a little different. There is the 3/8 line going from one head to the other with a "T' in the middle. The "T" is connected to the water pump with a rubber hose. I disconnected the rubber hose at the "T" and air did come out, but NO fluid. I checked the temp in the reservoir when the temp gauge showed 250. The reservoir fluid temp was 192. 66ggvert, it sounds like it might be the heat sensor unit (is it called an ECT). Does the heat sensor unit determine when the fans come on? I assume it is what determines what displays on the temp gauge. What else does it control?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I cracked mine at the passenger side head. It's a 10mm. coolant should come out eventually. I assume you cleaned out the radiator and condenser correct? If you never have done it you should have a pile of debris on the ground after you are done
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad NM
Coolant is redish orange. Never has been changed. The 3/8 crossover tube is on the same plane as the connections on the heads. Thought that would work. I replaced the ECT and still same results. Will let you know.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I would change it and clean out all the crap out of the radiator and condenser. Pull the thermostat and place in a boiling pot of water to insure it's working. I would just buy a new one actually. matter of fact I would do a full flush on it and replace the hoses while you are at it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad NM
Got tired of messing with it and took it to the doctor. Said it had a "bad" water pump. It wasn't leaking through the weep hole or anything. Anyway, I've got a new thermostat, a new ECT, have de-trashed both cooling coils, and have learned a lot about the cooling system, thanks to your advice. Should be good-to-go after the pump install. Thanks for all the help...