Coolant Temperature
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Coolant Temperature
I have recently purchased a stock 2005 base coupe. The coolant temp in normal driving ranges from 195 to 205 degrees. It tends to rise even higher when stopped at idle. I'm not sure what the stock thermostat is but this seems high to me. Is this normal or could I have a fan problem.
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From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I have recently purchased a stock 2005 base coupe. The coolant temp in normal driving ranges from 195 to 205 degrees. It tends to rise even higher when stopped at idle. I'm not sure what the stock thermostat is but this seems high to me. Is this normal or could I have a fan problem.
My 2009 CTS runs at a constant 210* as does my Silverado. Both will creep up a tad in very slow traffic on a hot day.
That said, many (including me) have installed 160* thermostats and had the fans tuned to start at ~190*. Some just like to be cool!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Bay Area CA
I have recently purchased a stock 2005 base coupe. The coolant temp in normal driving ranges from 195 to 205 degrees. It tends to rise even higher when stopped at idle. I'm not sure what the stock thermostat is but this seems high to me. Is this normal or could I have a fan problem.
The oem thermostat for an 08 is 187, some have changed to a 160, but you should reprogram the fan to kick in sooner.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Thanks, I guess mine is normal. I think the higher stock thermostat is an EPA thing to help burn the polutants but around here the outside temp is reguarly over 100 degrees in the summer. 160 thermostat seems the way to go.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Ambler Pa.
I have recently purchased a stock 2005 base coupe. The coolant temp in normal driving ranges from 195 to 205 degrees. It tends to rise even higher when stopped at idle. I'm not sure what the stock thermostat is but this seems high to me. Is this normal or could I have a fan problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,142
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From: SE Coast FL
Normal, in addition to the 160 and fan tune, I found two bottles of Purple Ice with a 70/30 (70 water/30 Dexcool) mix lowered it a little more. I dont know what state your in but if not in a time zone that has freezing 70/30 works well, water dissipates heat better than straight coolant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Parkland Florida
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
You can always remove ur hood blanket. That took about 20 degrees off my running temps with my blower
Last edited by steve miller; Feb 19, 2012 at 04:19 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Fort Worth Texas
How do you reprogram fan settings. Is it set by the computer. I wouldn't mind if the fan ran whenever the engine ran. I just want to be sure I never over temp the engine. I'm sure that would not be good for an aluminum engine.
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I have recently purchased a stock 2005 base coupe. The coolant temp in normal driving ranges from 195 to 205 degrees. It tends to rise even higher when stopped at idle. I'm not sure what the stock thermostat is but this seems high to me. Is this normal or could I have a fan problem.
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From: McKinney Texas
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From: Fort Worth Texas
My only concern was yesterday while driving the HUD coolant temp bar was almost to the top. There are no numbers just a bar. I called up the digital display and it said 205 degrees. I didn't know if that was high but after these posts here I am now satisfied it's normal. But I would like it to be lower.
Last edited by dcarter0001; Feb 19, 2012 at 04:02 PM.
Team Owner
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Keep in mind that a lower temp thermostat will only keep your temps lower if the radiator is oversized. The stock stat is fully open at about 190, anything above about 195 is a radiator "problem" rather than a thermostat problem.
Corvette engines are lasting over 200,000 miles with the stock thermostat and radiator, I'd just keep everything in good condition and keep an eye on the water temp to spot any problems early.
Corvette engines are lasting over 200,000 miles with the stock thermostat and radiator, I'd just keep everything in good condition and keep an eye on the water temp to spot any problems early.
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From: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Tampa FL
I gotta tell ya, I bought an 06 over a year ago. My temp was running between 200 and 210 when I got it. It was about 200 on the highway and about 210 or higher in traffic.
I wanted the oil changed and the radiator flushed and I took it to a stealership of all places. They did a power flush and charged me $129.
The difference was pretty startling. I immediately noticed I was running between 190 and 200. Now, it never gets above 200.
In previous cars, I have always just drained the coolant and replaced it. But for some reason, since it was my first oil change, I took it to the nearest Chevy dealer. I also wanted to learn some of the ins and outs of the car and check the GM repair history on the car and see if there was anything that didn't turn up in Carfax.
I paid for the power flush, which apparently involves more than just draining and refilling and glad I did. It's a noticeable difference.
I posted this earlier and one forum member suggested the power flushing may have dislodged something that was blocking the system somewhat. Not sure what it did, but it works.
Also, I'm not sure what coolant was in there previously.
I wanted the oil changed and the radiator flushed and I took it to a stealership of all places. They did a power flush and charged me $129.
The difference was pretty startling. I immediately noticed I was running between 190 and 200. Now, it never gets above 200.
In previous cars, I have always just drained the coolant and replaced it. But for some reason, since it was my first oil change, I took it to the nearest Chevy dealer. I also wanted to learn some of the ins and outs of the car and check the GM repair history on the car and see if there was anything that didn't turn up in Carfax.
I paid for the power flush, which apparently involves more than just draining and refilling and glad I did. It's a noticeable difference.
I posted this earlier and one forum member suggested the power flushing may have dislodged something that was blocking the system somewhat. Not sure what it did, but it works.
Also, I'm not sure what coolant was in there previously.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Bucks Co. / outside Philadelphia PA
Normal, in addition to the 160 and fan tune, I found two bottles of Purple Ice with a 70/30 (70 water/30 Dexcool) mix lowered it a little more. I dont know what state your in but if not in a time zone that has freezing 70/30 works well, water dissipates heat better than straight coolant.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Bay Area Ca.
True but I love to watch mine!
I do a pre check of everything at start up, them monitor coolant and oil till warmed up.
I am a numbers guy and like the numbers more than the green,yellow and red level indicators.
I even try and guess were my numbers might be at any particular moment while driving, be it oil or coolant temperature, tire pressure or instant fuel mileage.
Ya I know get a life. I just have always enjoyed things this way.
I do a pre check of everything at start up, them monitor coolant and oil till warmed up.
I am a numbers guy and like the numbers more than the green,yellow and red level indicators.
I even try and guess were my numbers might be at any particular moment while driving, be it oil or coolant temperature, tire pressure or instant fuel mileage.
Ya I know get a life. I just have always enjoyed things this way.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Springfield MO
Your car is engineered to accommodate a wide range of ambient (surrounding) temperatures. Changing your thermostat to a lower opening temperature will only increase fuel consumption and engine wear, as well as pollute the atmosphere, and won't do a damn thing to improve performance. GM engineers have forgotten more than your average shade tree, "Joe-six pack", Corvette owner will ever know about cars. But it is a undeniable right of Corvette owners to screw them up royally, which is one good reason never to buy a used Corvette that has been modified in any way.
