How hot should idle be?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Camden SC
How hot should idle be?
During normal driving my C8 runs reletivly cool (around 180). However, while sitting and idling even for just a few minutes, I have seen the coolant temperature go as high as 210. I'm also not hearing the fan coming on. Should I be concerned?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
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I don't think the fans come on until something like 220-230, but coming up 30 degrees in just a few minutes of idling doesn't seem right. What are the outside temps when this happens, and does outside temp make a difference in how fast or how high?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
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From: Camden SC
Outside temp is about 75 degrees...
Racer
Joined: Oct 2022
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From: Montgomery, AL
Did you have on AC running? AC running will engage the radiator fan earlier on most cars.
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Temps can go up when you are just idling and not moving down the road. A temp of 210 does not seem like it is all that hot.
Race Director
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Northern Illinois
Thats normal fans kick on around the 220 mark
Racer
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From: San Diego, CA
Too Hot
Melting Slicks
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From: Kelso, Wa
My 2020 Z51 runs too cool when driving. I have to sit and idle the car for 5~6 minutes to reach an oil temp that's hot enough to check for a proper oil level. And speaking of levels... have you checked your radiator water level? - only do it with the engine off and when cold.