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2016 Z51 never gets to operating temp

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Old Jun 9, 2019 | 05:25 PM
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Default 2016 Z51 never gets to operating temp

This is my third year with my 16 z51 and it has started to run much colder then it used to. When im on the highway the temp will drop to about 185 and will never go above 205 It will do 205 only in dead stop NYC traffic. The first 2 years I had the car the temp would be about 215 always. I added nor cal primary cat delete pipes but I cant picture that being the cause. It almost seems as if the thermostat is stuck open. I also have a diablo tune but that has been on the car since a month after I got it. Any info is appreciated.
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Old Jun 9, 2019 | 05:28 PM
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It could be the pipes actually, you're creating much less engine bay heat plus his pipes sit further away from the dry-sump oil system (less heat soak into the engine oil so your cooling system doesn't have to work as hard).
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Old Jun 9, 2019 | 07:13 PM
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The Diablo tune likely lowers the cooling fans turn on temps. This is usually always changed by tuners. It is nothing to worry about.
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Old Jun 9, 2019 | 07:23 PM
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Check your tune information. Either your t-stat needs to be replaced or the tune is running the fans sooner to run the car cooler. Personally, since I don't race my car, I prefer the stock temperature in the engine to keep it more fuel efficient.


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Old Jun 10, 2019 | 08:43 AM
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If the car consistently hits 185 then the thermostat is fine. If you are cruising on the highway and the temps drop below 185 then the thermostat is stuck. I doubt this is the case. Probably just the tune and the fans as has been stated.
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Old Jun 10, 2019 | 06:55 PM
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Keep in mind the tune has been on the car for three years and the concern has happen recently. Also the fact that the temp drops from 205 185 on the highway makes me guess the thermostat
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Old Jun 10, 2019 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Bmwmike
Keep in mind the tune has been on the car for three years and the concern has happen recently. Also the fact that the temp drops from 205 185 on the highway makes me guess the thermostat
If the 'stat was stuck open, I suspect the temp would be a lot lower than 185 HWY
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Old Jun 10, 2019 | 07:41 PM
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If the temp goes down on highway, then the t-stat is not closing down the water flow as the temp drops. It should stay at 210 or so at all times.


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Old Jun 11, 2019 | 05:48 AM
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Another other indicator for a stuck open 'stat is very sloooow warmup. How long does it take to get to the 185?
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Old Jun 11, 2019 | 03:24 PM
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If the thermostat is NG it could be not closing fully allowing temperature to run cooler than normal. Might be worth putting a new thermostat in to check. I would also heat up old & new thermostat in a pan on the stove to compare opening & closing process.
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