Overheated Z!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: H_TOWN WETNBLOWN
Overheated Z!!!
Couple months ago, i had overheating issues. The Z was overheating quickly whenever it wanted too, because the fans weren't comin on. Took it to the dealer,fan module checked out ok. they said the fans came on and never overheated on them. Even when i drove back home from the dealer it didn't heat up.Today, 100* weather, i turnd the Z on and made sure the fans cut on before i drove off. Im about 7-8mins from the house and the temps climb up quick, 243-45-46, i made a quick U-turn and headed back to the house. Damn traffic on the way back, and the fans were off. 250! on the coolant temp, and right when im pulling into my driveway, steam from a kettle, comin out the from under the hood, pissed all the coolant and the Z died!!!
!Not quite, i let it cool off and drove it into the garage. Now, the car does have bolt-on mods, stock radiator, and we just changed out the thermostat not too long ago. What are the damges? Do i have internal damge to the engine, head gaskets need to be replaced, or maybe the thermostat didnt open up, or what? Thanks for the input guys
!Not quite, i let it cool off and drove it into the garage. Now, the car does have bolt-on mods, stock radiator, and we just changed out the thermostat not too long ago. What are the damges? Do i have internal damge to the engine, head gaskets need to be replaced, or maybe the thermostat didnt open up, or what? Thanks for the input guys
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 10
Pelon,
I'm sorry to hear about what's going on with your car!
Sounds like your water pump isn't moving the proper volume of water since you've ruled out fan failure!
If you only hit 250, then you're ok! If you hit 260, then you MIGHT still be ok, too. Worst case, you mill the heads to true them up.
But let's get your problem fixed! I'd say start with the water pump at this point!
I'm sorry to hear about what's going on with your car!
Sounds like your water pump isn't moving the proper volume of water since you've ruled out fan failure!
If you only hit 250, then you're ok! If you hit 260, then you MIGHT still be ok, too. Worst case, you mill the heads to true them up.
But let's get your problem fixed! I'd say start with the water pump at this point!
ZO6 Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 5
From: Richmond Texas
Get Mike to check the connection above the fan control module attached to the fan shroud. Mine melted a couple of weeks ago. Pretty sure the middle (ground) terminal is melted. Houston heat! Gotta love it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 10
ok, overflow is not a problem!
Also, the change engine oil is also not an issue. That's a default trigger code when you overheat. Just check to make sure you don't have choco milk flavoured oil and if not, you should be fine!
Finally some good news, right?
Also, the change engine oil is also not an issue. That's a default trigger code when you overheat. Just check to make sure you don't have choco milk flavoured oil and if not, you should be fine!
Finally some good news, right?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: H_TOWN WETNBLOWN
Cool, now i can go to sleep comfortablly without thinking imma have to spend a grip on getting it fixed
Hey n77nxc, doesn't your car have the dewitts radiator? Is it worth the swap?
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ZO6 Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 5
From: Richmond Texas
I think your car is fine. Get the fans sorted out and you'll be good to go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 2
From: Houston 06 C6 Ysi SC 402 fgd TX
If its the usual issue. the aftermarket tune puts the fan at 90% to turn on as soon as it can. so that fries the harness north of the relay on the fan instead of blowing the 60amp circuit breaker in the box in the engine.
do a search to see the fix
if your harness looks like this then you need to bypass it.
it could be like powerlabs issue that somehow else he got fixed.
do a search to see the fix
if your harness looks like this then you need to bypass it.
it could be like powerlabs issue that somehow else he got fixed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Overheating Z
This is always a big problem with a Sc'd Z. You have a few choices all of which can be done in summation.
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Lone Star State
Cut the plugs off completely and hardwire it. You will fix your problem. I did!!!
Your plug got hot and is shorting out and not making good contact for the fans to operate properly.
Mine was doing the same.
I bought another fan module and that was a waste of $. (It was not the problem)
I also did not see a big difference when I added the dewitts radiator. Its thicker yes, but it does not allow as much air as the stocker did with the cooler in place. (less room for air)
Your plug got hot and is shorting out and not making good contact for the fans to operate properly.
Mine was doing the same.
I bought another fan module and that was a waste of $. (It was not the problem)
I also did not see a big difference when I added the dewitts radiator. Its thicker yes, but it does not allow as much air as the stocker did with the cooler in place. (less room for air)
Last edited by BADZ; Jun 7, 2010 at 11:29 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 5
From: Houston
Couple months ago, i had overheating issues. The Z was overheating quickly whenever it wanted too, because the fans weren't comin on. Took it to the dealer,fan module checked out ok. they said the fans came on and never overheated on them. Even when i drove back home from the dealer it didn't heat up.Today, 100* weather, i turnd the Z on and made sure the fans cut on before i drove off. Im about 7-8mins from the house and the temps climb up quick, 243-45-46, i made a quick U-turn and headed back to the house. Damn traffic on the way back, and the fans were off. 250! on the coolant temp, and right when im pulling into my driveway, steam from a kettle, comin out the from under the hood, pissed all the coolant and the Z died!!!!Not quite, i let it cool off and drove it into the garage. Now, the car does have bolt-on mods, stock radiator, and we just changed out the thermostat not too long ago. What are the damges? Do i have internal damge to the engine, head gaskets need to be replaced, or maybe the thermostat didnt open up, or what? Thanks for the input guys
!Not quite, i let it cool off and drove it into the garage. Now, the car does have bolt-on mods, stock radiator, and we just changed out the thermostat not too long ago. What are the damges? Do i have internal damge to the engine, head gaskets need to be replaced, or maybe the thermostat didnt open up, or what? Thanks for the input guysI was seeing 192-200 on the hwy yesterday afternoon which is higher than last summer which surprised me. I'm wondering if the fact I have a higher ratio of antifreeze vs water is all that is.
Pull the dipstick tube. If you see something that looks like it came from Starbucks you lifted the heads. Regardless, if you spew coolant anytime you hit boost you lifted a head.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
If its the usual issue. the aftermarket tune puts the fan at 90% to turn on as soon as it can. so that fries the harness north of the relay on the fan instead of blowing the 60amp circuit breaker in the box in the engine.
do a search to see the fix
if your harness looks like this then you need to bypass it.
it could be like powerlabs issue that somehow else he got fixed.
do a search to see the fix
if your harness looks like this then you need to bypass it.
it could be like powerlabs issue that somehow else he got fixed.
Moral of the story: there is a reason those fans don't turn on 90% of the time on a factory tune...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 10
if you spew coolant anytime you hit boost you lifted a head.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 0
From: Texas 1,002rwhp/928rwtq
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
This is always a big problem with a Sc'd Z. You have a few choices all of which can be done in summation.
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 0
From: Texas 1,002rwhp/928rwtq
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
This is always a big problem with a Sc'd Z. You have a few choices all of which can be done in summation.
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
1. Put in a 160 Deg stat.
2. Add the dewitts but disconnect the tranny cooler portion as it seems to actually heat up the engine coolant.
3. Program the fan to come on sooner and longer but the fan connector will melt. You must make your own connector or purchase an extra HVy duty replacement from an eletronics house. (I made my own).
4. Add additional coolers such as seperate oil and trany coolers. They can be placed in any (hard to find area). I ended up placing mine in my fog light openings (Earls makes a curved cooler which fits perfect).
5. Coat your headers (primaries) wth Nitroplate (the best IMO).
6. Change out your hood to allow air to be drawn from and out of the engine bay.
7. Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 2
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
CPG, I was thinking about separating the trans and engine oil coolers from my DeWitts radiator with those curved Earls coolers through the fog light openings. Will it matter if I just plug the secondary coolers or shold I completely replace my combo radiator with a dedicated radiator?
Ya know - I was thinking. Is there a cooling agent, lets say freon, that could be injected in the cavity of the transmission fluid chamber of the Dewiits and plugged. would it act as a cooling agent and bring temps down? Liquid nitrogen?
Last edited by CPG1962; Jun 8, 2010 at 05:32 AM.