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SOLVED Temperature/overheating issue

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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 08:01 AM
  #1  
Robrote's Avatar
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Default SOLVED Temperature/overheating issue

So my 2k Vette has been running a bit of a temperature. Consistently 220 degrees and if I have the AC on and stuck in traffic it'll climb to 240+ very quickly.

I figured I would do a flush and fill and check things over. I pulled the air bridge and removed the upper radiator support and low and behold the radiator was significantly clogged with what I can only describe as dryer lint type debris. I used a soft brissel brush on a long stick and brushed the radiator the best I could. Also used compressed air and finally used the pressure washer with the lowest nozzle to clean the rest.

I also replaced the thermostat with a factory 186 degree. Drove it all day yesterday in 90 degrees and the car never went over 198 degrees.

Check the front of the radiator! (and the front of the AC condenser while you're there).
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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 08:15 AM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by Robrote
So my 2k Vette has been running a bit of a temperature. Consistently 220 degrees and if I have the AC on and stuck in traffic it'll climb to 240+ very quickly.

I figured I would do a flush and fill and check things over. I pulled the air bridge and removed the upper radiator support and low and behold the radiator was significantly clogged with what I can only describe as dryer lint type debris. I used a soft brissel brush on a long stick and brushed the radiator the best I could. Also used compressed air and finally used the pressure washer with the lowest nozzle to clean the rest.

I also replaced the thermostat with a factory 186 degree. Drove it all day yesterday in 90 degrees and the car never went over 198 degrees.

Check the front of the radiator! (and the front of the AC condenser while you're there).
Good advice and yes, common problem with the C5 as it is a bottom feeder. I check for debris on every oil change, though since I replaced the OEM radiator with a 1 inch tube all aluminum one the temp never exceeds 212 with A/C on in Florida heat at idle at a dead stop for more than 30 minutes at a time.
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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 08:21 AM
  #3  
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Default

Originally Posted by alxltd1
Good advice and yes, common problem with the C5 as it is a bottom feeder. I check for debris on every oil change, though since I replaced the OEM radiator with a 1 inch tube all aluminum one the temp never exceeds 212 with A/C on in Florida heat at idle at a dead stop for more than 30 minutes at a time.
​​​​​​Whenever this plastic tank rad gives up I'll be doing the aluminum one as well. Its cheap peace of mind.
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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 08:58 AM
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I don't know if they still make them, but in the past, a supplier made "screens" they went in under the front bumper, to keep some of the trash making it up to the radiator. I installed one in my C-5, YEARS ago. It might have been Elite Engineering.............
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Old Aug 20, 2017 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by leadfoot4
I don't know if they still make them, but in the past, a supplier made "screens" they went in under the front bumper, to keep some of the trash making it up to the radiator. I installed one in my C-5, YEARS ago. It might have been Elite Engineering.............
Forum Vendor, Custom Corvette Accessories, sells the screens. SKU 17188140. Many of the members have made their own.
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