SOLVED Temperature/overheating issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
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).
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).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
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).
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).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
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.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
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.............
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
