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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 08:41 AM
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Default Engine temperature

I notice that when the ambient temperature outside is about 55 degrees that the engine temp runs around 165 or so when I'm cruising on the highway, and sometimes the rev limiter on the DIC will turn yellow as if the engine still needs to be warmed up. If the engine is idling, or I'm driving around town in stop and go traffic it goes up to the normal 200 range when the weather is running 55 degrees or so. I'm thinking that maybe the thermostat should be replaced?
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 09:01 AM
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Since I trust the computer to let me know if there is a problem I don't watch the gauges however it makes sense that while cruising on the highway the temp would be lower than in stop n go traffic.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by joemessman
I notice that when the ambient temperature outside is about 55 degrees that the engine temp runs around 165 or so when I'm cruising on the highway, and sometimes the rev limiter on the DIC will turn yellow as if the engine still needs to be warmed up. If the engine is idling, or I'm driving around town in stop and go traffic it goes up to the normal 200 range when the weather is running 55 degrees or so. I'm thinking that maybe the thermostat should be replaced?
Yep, thermostat.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 11:27 AM
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^^^ Yup. An open thermostat (or failed temperature sensor) may eventually cause the engine temp to display as zero and the radiator fans to come on high when shutting off the motor.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 12:48 PM
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Most likely thermostat,had to replace my thermostat on my Z06, engine got to correct operating temperature again
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 12:40 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. I have to go in for an oil change anyway this week. I'll get that thermostat replaced.
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 12:47 AM
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Yes, i would say replace the thermostat - even at highway speeds the engine temp should be more than 165*.
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by joemessman
Thanks for all the replies. I have to go in for an oil change anyway this week. I'll get that thermostat replaced.
I replaced mine myself.
Very easy to do. It took all but 15 minutes including clean up. They could not have placed it in an easier place.
I think the thermostat was $80 and the fluid was $20
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 07:10 AM
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Originally Posted by joemessman
I notice that when the ambient temperature outside is about 55 degrees that the engine temp runs around 165 or so when I'm cruising on the highway, and sometimes the rev limiter on the DIC will turn yellow as if the engine still needs to be warmed up. If the engine is idling, or I'm driving around town in stop and go traffic it goes up to the normal 200 range when the weather is running 55 degrees or so. I'm thinking that maybe the thermostat should be replaced?
There are quite a number of people who've experienced this problem (me included). I also think there is a problem with some new OEM thermostats as well. I installed 2 new OEM thermostats in my 2018 Z06 and experienced the same exact issue. The 3rd thermostat, which was a non-OEM I purchased from Rock Auto, worked as it's supposed to and has been working since.
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Old Feb 21, 2024 | 10:17 AM
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The aftermarket cooler thermostats will cause this too.
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Rabbi
Since I trust the computer to let me know if there is a problem I don't watch the gauges however it makes sense that while cruising on the highway the temp would be lower than in stop n go traffic.
If you didn't have a thermostat I'd agree with your logic, but a thermostats job is to keep the engine at a constant designed temperature, regardless of load/speed/outside temp, etc. If your cars temp fluctuates with all those things your tstat is stuck open and needs replacement.
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 04:31 PM
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Had it replaced and all is good in Corvette land again. Back to my normal 190 to 200 or so. No more 160s and lower than normal temps.
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Old Feb 27, 2024 | 08:51 AM
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Thats good to hear.
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Old Feb 27, 2024 | 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Yes, i would say replace the thermostat - even at highway speeds the engine temp should be more than 165*.
This is correct. I recently changed my thermostat (did temp sending unit too) because of experiencing lower than acceptable coolant temps.

We have had cold temps recently in Orlando in the 50s and 60s. After the thermostat change, my Vette runs between 190 and 200 degrees (highway and around town) in these lower outdoor temps.
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Old Feb 28, 2024 | 05:27 PM
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The redline changes when the temp goes from 161 degrees to 163 degrees, at least on my GS. I think I'm due for a new thermostat too.
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Old Feb 29, 2024 | 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by F4Gary
The redline changes when the temp goes from 161 degrees to 163 degrees, at least on my GS. I think I'm due for a new thermostat too.
If your redline fluctuates because of temperature I'd agree. Lower water and oil temps can contribute to increased wear as parts don't get happy until a certain temp is reached. Also, with a lower oil temp some contaminants from the combustion process won't get burned off.

Last edited by Red86Cfour; Feb 29, 2024 at 03:03 PM.
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 10:54 AM
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174 is the temo all my C7s have removed the redline/ warmup. and acted normal.

My currennt Z06 in winter does stay in the 165-170 range. unless ran hard. but once out side temps are int he 70s its seeing normal temps. So you guys think the therm is stuck or just reacting?
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 12:05 PM
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Winter? I have driven mine at 25* F and it warms up to 200* ish and stays there.
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by mittens
174 is the temo all my C7s have removed the redline/ warmup. and acted normal.

My currennt Z06 in winter does stay in the 165-170 range. unless ran hard. but once out side temps are int he 70s its seeing normal temps. So you guys think the therm is stuck or just reacting?
Mine was running in that 165-170 range before I replaced the thermostat. That was in 55 to 65 degree temps outside. After I replaced it it goes to the 190 to 200 range in that outside temperature range. If you are seeing those low temperatures in the in the 50s and 60s I believe you should replace the thermostat. Even when it is in the 50s it goes to plus 188.
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 09:36 AM
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Good deal. I was assuming this car was just running cooler with all the cooling mods, and had a cooler Therm. As with my First C7 cam swap I installed one of those as well. and the car acted like that too. I swapped back as i hated the Tach begin wrong
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