Overheating
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: Arden NC
I don't think C3's run hot like a C4. Then again, I'm not a C3 expert.
When was the last time the coolant was flushed? If you don't know, then this might be a good time to do it.
Is the temp sendor providing an accurate reading? Is the thermostat functioning correctly?
Just a few things to look into and ponder...
Good luck
When was the last time the coolant was flushed? If you don't know, then this might be a good time to do it.
Is the temp sendor providing an accurate reading? Is the thermostat functioning correctly?
Just a few things to look into and ponder...
Good luck
Last edited by Black04Z06; Jun 6, 2009 at 08:01 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: Northern Florida
You need to verify that youre REALLY running that sort of temp. Use a lazer thermometer or stick thermometer in the radiator neck (dont get burned doing it). If you are running 230 f, its high . Heres the most common causes :
1. Flush out the cooling system real good using Prestone cleaner . Open all block drains when flushing. When filling, if you have a/c...use 80% water to 20% coolant. If you dont have a/c....use 100% water (dont forget to put some antifreeze in for winter if you get below 30 f where you are). Add a bottle of Redlines Water Wetter -- it also has water pump lubricant and rust inhibitors in it.
2. Power wash the front and back of the radiator and a/c condensor . Remove any debris thats in the cavity area.
3. Run your engine while parked, up to 3,000 rpms and see if the lower radiator hose is collapsing . If it is , replace .
4. Make sure the belt for the water pump isnt slipping.
5. Check your engine timing ; if its retarded from factory specs...it will make it run hotter.
6. If all of the above fails...temporarily take out your engine thermostat and see what kind of water temp. you run ; if it really came down in temp...get a balanced type engine thermostat.
7. If doing number 6 still results in a high water temp, then its time for a new higher volume water pump. Get a Stewart Brand stage 3 or 4 , if you arent concerned about keeping it all original. Visit their website and forum .
Let us know what happens. Good luck.
1. Flush out the cooling system real good using Prestone cleaner . Open all block drains when flushing. When filling, if you have a/c...use 80% water to 20% coolant. If you dont have a/c....use 100% water (dont forget to put some antifreeze in for winter if you get below 30 f where you are). Add a bottle of Redlines Water Wetter -- it also has water pump lubricant and rust inhibitors in it.
2. Power wash the front and back of the radiator and a/c condensor . Remove any debris thats in the cavity area.
3. Run your engine while parked, up to 3,000 rpms and see if the lower radiator hose is collapsing . If it is , replace .
4. Make sure the belt for the water pump isnt slipping.
5. Check your engine timing ; if its retarded from factory specs...it will make it run hotter.
6. If all of the above fails...temporarily take out your engine thermostat and see what kind of water temp. you run ; if it really came down in temp...get a balanced type engine thermostat.
7. If doing number 6 still results in a high water temp, then its time for a new higher volume water pump. Get a Stewart Brand stage 3 or 4 , if you arent concerned about keeping it all original. Visit their website and forum .
Let us know what happens. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 32
From: Roswell Georgia
In addition to all the other recommendations you've received, I would check to see if you have an OEM pellet-type cat installed. These units would fail over time and form a partial blockage that caused the engine to run hot. (There are honeycomb replacement units available that will eliminate this problem while increasing performance.)
Good luck!
