coolant temp question
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: St. James NY
coolant temp question
I have noticed that my engine temp which used to always run at 172 degrees on the parkway is now running at 178-180 degrees. the outside air temp hasn't changed much. I know its not much of a difference but it has changed and I was wondering what it could be. I checked the radiator and it was clear. the antifreeze is up to level. Any suggestions. The car otherwise runs great. It was on the track the other day and went up to 230 degrees but ran great. It could down off the track but ran hot in traffic, up to 212. I dont remember seeing this happen before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
I have noticed that my engine temp which used to always run at 172 degrees on the parkway is now running at 178-180 degrees. the outside air temp hasn't changed much. I know its not much of a difference but it has changed and I was wondering what it could be. I checked the radiator and it was clear. the antifreeze is up to level. Any suggestions. The car otherwise runs great. It was on the track the other day and went up to 230 degrees but ran great. It could down off the track but ran hot in traffic, up to 212. I dont remember seeing this happen before.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 217
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From: Houston Texas
at a 100 degrees
In the current heat wave my car has been running north of 190. Running like a top.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
If your running a stock thermostat 178- 180 is cool. Are you sure that's normal? Polls on this forum have found the upper 190's are normal in normal ambient temperatures and stock thermostat. 
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: St. James NY
sorry for not clearing that up, i am running 160 therm.on a 2008 z51. i have had it tuned, headers, hi flow cats, borla and vararam intake for over a year now. i have looked at the radiator and all looks clear, no visual debris. i will try to blow it out with a compressor though. i have never seen this type of fluctuation and it wont run at 172 like it was. it frequently goes up to 200 now when i come off the parkway. it used to go to 196 the fan would come on and lower it to 192. cant pinpoint why it all of a sudden started running 8 degrees warmer on the parkway. engine is running great otherwise.
Last edited by BLACKJACK08; Jun 29, 2009 at 07:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
sorry for not clearing that up, i am running 160 therm.on a 2008 z51. i have had it tuned, headers, hi flow cats, borla and vararam intake for over a year now. i have looked at the radiator and all looks clear, no visual debris. i will try to blow it out with a compressor though. i have never seen this type of fluctuation and it wont run at 172 like it was. it frequently goes up to 200 now when i come off the parkway. it used to go to 196 the fan would come on and lower it to 192. cant pinpoint why it all of a sudden started running 8 degrees warmer on the parkway. engine is running great otherwise.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,276
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From: Ambler Pa.
sorry for not clearing that up, i am running 160 therm.on a 2008 z51. i have had it tuned, headers, hi flow cats, borla and vararam intake for over a year now. i have looked at the radiator and all looks clear, no visual debris. i will try to blow it out with a compressor though. i have never seen this type of fluctuation and it wont run at 172 like it was. it frequently goes up to 200 now when i come off the parkway. it used to go to 196 the fan would come on and lower it to 192. cant pinpoint why it all of a sudden started running 8 degrees warmer on the parkway. engine is running great otherwise.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside N.Y./ Boynton Beach Fl.
I have noticed that my engine temp which used to always run at 172 degrees on the parkway is now running at 178-180 degrees. the outside air temp hasn't changed much. I know its not much of a difference but it has changed and I was wondering what it could be. I checked the radiator and it was clear. the antifreeze is up to level. Any suggestions. The car otherwise runs great. It was on the track the other day and went up to 230 degrees but ran great. It could down off the track but ran hot in traffic, up to 212. I dont remember seeing this happen before.
. Getting an aftermarket aluminum radiator and maybe doing a dual fan conversion. I'll find out today. Seems the intercooler is blocking airflow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 1
From: Vail, Arizona
sorry for not clearing that up, i am running 160 therm.on a 2008 z51. i have had it tuned, headers, hi flow cats, borla and vararam intake for over a year now. i have looked at the radiator and all looks clear, no visual debris. i will try to blow it out with a compressor though. i have never seen this type of fluctuation and it wont run at 172 like it was. it frequently goes up to 200 now when i come off the parkway. it used to go to 196 the fan would come on and lower it to 192. cant pinpoint why it all of a sudden started running 8 degrees warmer on the parkway. engine is running great otherwise.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 90
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From: St. James NY
the thermostat was done over a year ago and its not leaking from there. i have a manual 6 speed. the temp would not be that much of a concern by running at 180 0r so except that it always ran at 172. the temp outside has been the same. on the hotter days in stop and go traffic it went to 212. what would cause the sudden change? once the thermostat opens fully isnt it always open. thats why i am not sure it could be a sticky therm. i think it would get much hotter if it wasnt opening fully. could the computer adjusted the timing, when i accelerate the temp climbs much quicker.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
Take it out and check it in hot water to see when it opens. I bet the tstat is not working properly. After you check it post the what you see. It is failry straight forward to take them out and replace them.
