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today I took the Vett out of a spin (2006 base, M6). As background information, at highway speeds, or fast streets, this time of the year when it's relatively cool, it runs at about 194-196 degrees (coolant). When I hit a red light, it may go to about 203 or so and then once I start moving, it goes right back down to the mid 190s.
Today, I noticed that it was running at 200 in the highway and by the time I got home it was 220. The temp was moving up quickly while stopped at a light. It has never it anything past 216 even during the Dallas summer heat.
coolant is at the right level.
I realize that these temps are not dangerous, but definitely out of the norm for my car.
If the thermostat is defective, is it possible that it could start "acting up" vs just going dead???
Any thoughts???
Many thanks in advance.
Last edited by JoeMatilda; 01-07-2019 at 06:35 PM.
I’m not certain about today’s t-stats and whether or not one may “act up” before it sticks open or shut. You’re correct in that the temps weren’t dangerous. My question, however, is did you or anyone service/flush your coolant per the recommended intervals? If not, you really should do it or have it done. Our cars call for a radiator flush every 5 years even if the miles are low. Good luck!
Last summer my Z06 got H/C/T at 60K, not a garage queen, strictly fair weather cruiser.
Shop sent pics of what my coolers/radiator (3) looked like from the rear, unseen.
They were ALL literally caked w/ crap, a wonder there was any cooling a'tall.
Cost me over a hour labor to get 'em cleaned.
I was mystified, HTH could those coolers get so bad w/ only casual use?
Knew C5's a bottom breather subject to picking up debris, not C6.
Dead wrong.
A real PITA getting a clear look at cooler's backsides, they're tucked in tight. & dark as hell.
Definitely a lift & flashlight are a must.
But do check if only to rule-out as source of cooling issue.
today I took the Vett out of a spin (2006 base, M6). As background information, at highway speeds, or fast streets, this time of the year when it's relatively cool, it runs at about 194-196 degrees (coolant). When I hit a red light, it may go to about 203 or so and then once I start moving, it goes right back down to the mid 190s.
Today, I noticed that it was running at 200 in the highway and by the time I got home it was 220. The temp was moving up quickly while stopped at a light. It has never it anything past 216 even during the Dallas summer heat.
coolant is at the right level.
I realize that these temps are not dangerous, but definitely out of the norm for my car.
If the thermostat is defective, is it possible that it could start "acting up" vs just going dead???
Any thoughts???
Many thanks in advance.
You definitely have a problem. You didn't say how many miles are on the clock, but all C6s eventually collect a lot of mud, sand, and twigs that clog up the radiator's bottom six inches. This, in turn, will put an increasing load on the fan, it's motor, it's wiring, and the fan control module. Check the thermostat, and the water pump too. If you have access to a lift, try cleaning out accumulated radiator crud from the rear using compressed air and a garden hose. If that works, put it on your yearly to-do list. If not, be prepared to replace the radiator, the fan, and even the FCM. DeWitt makes a beautiful double-thick radiator for about $800 (!).
Those are pretty normal temp numbers for me on the stock gauges (200-220). Have you used a torque app and OBDII reader to get the digital readouts from before? It may help looking at if from that perspective to see whats going on.
Have you verified that your cooling fan is working properly?
Thanks dor the reply.
Last night I took it out again around town and when I got back to the garage, I idled the engine until it hit 221 degrees. I never heard the fans coming on. I thought they were programmed to come up at 215-220, but I may be wrong. If that is the case, however, that may be the problem.
Last edited by JoeMatilda; 01-08-2019 at 03:41 PM.
You definitely have a problem. You didn't say how many miles are on the clock, but all C6s eventually collect a lot of mud, sand, and twigs that clog up the radiator's bottom six inches. This, in turn, will put an increasing load on the fan, it's motor, it's wiring, and the fan control module. Check the thermostat, and the water pump too. If you have access to a lift, try cleaning out accumulated radiator crud from the rear using compressed air and a garden hose. If that works, put it on your yearly to-do list. If not, be prepared to replace the radiator, the fan, and even the FCM. DeWitt makes a beautiful double-thick radiator for about $800 (!).
Thanks for your reply.
I forgot to mention I have 57000 on the clock. I have checked the radiator area amd under the engine and have mot found any debris. Temps are pretty mormal, even though in the high side, until I stop and idle the car. Then, they go up faster than what I have seen in the past. Im starting to suspect that the fans may not be coming on as they should. I think Ill start with the fuse...
Those are pretty normal temp numbers for me on the stock gauges (200-220). Have you used a torque app and OBDII reader to get the digital readouts from before? It may help looking at if from that perspective to see whats going on.
Thanks for your reply.
I dont know what a torque app, but I have access to a code reader. Great idea. I guess I should have strated with that...
I'll check the codes and will advice.
An OBDII Bluetooth reader cost about 20.00 and lets you run diagnostics through your phone or tablet. You can run it while your driving to get real time readings.
Thanks dor the reply.
Last night I took it out again around town and when I got back to the garage, I idled the engine until it hit 221 degrees. I never heard the fans coming on. I thought they were programmed to come up at 215-220, but I may be wrong. If that is the case, however, that may be the problem.
Check the fan connector to see if it has overheated and melted. You can search the forum as this seems to be a common problem.
well....
I went out and got one of these. It may or may not help me this fime but Ill throw it in the trunk and have available for whenever.
Also, I turned the AC full blast and the fan came on. It was running slow because the car wasnt too hot at the time, but at least I know that it works.
Dirty little secrete...the coolant in these cars from the factory creates sludge. For proof just check your reservoir. I myself installed a fresh rad, stat, reservoir at 53,000miles due to a rad end leak..., and don’t tell anyone, ran universal coolant that met requirements. Result is perfect operating conditions and no more sludge. Most Corvette folks loose their minds when they hear you’ve stoped running factory spec but that factory coolant makes mud pure simple fact. My guess is she’s due for a rad flush and new stat.
Dirty little secrete...the coolant in these cars from the factory creates sludge. For proof just check your reservoir. I myself installed a fresh rad, stat, reservoir at 53,000miles due to a rad end leak..., and don’t tell anyone, ran universal coolant that met requirements. Result is perfect operating conditions and no more sludge. Most Corvette folks loose their minds when they hear you’ve stoped running factory spec but that factory coolant makes mud pure simple fact. My guess is she’s due for a rad flush and new stat.
Thanks! I promise not to tell anyone!
Given that so far everything has come back with negative results, I think the next step is a radiador flush and new stat.
Many thanks!
Just for review, Again look at your reservoir, look what’s inside it and don’t think for a second your radiator doesn’t look very similar to what you see in this video after 10 or 15 years if unchanged as mine was
01-07-2019, 06:32 PM
Running a little hot...
