Shanes1031

Started going way past 185 on way home, I just went outside, started car and waited for temp to come up, fan kicked on around 190-200 brought temp down to regular temp of 185 then fan wouldn't kick back on, I have heat, water circulating, just fan won't come back on. I tried tapping on fan motor, relays but no go. Any ideas

Shanes1031

Just seems weird the fan came on once then off and not back on, don't think it has ever run past 185-190 haven't checked to see if comes back on with a/c on, didn't know that until sitting here reading so I'm going back to check that lol

Bfenty

This sounds like normal operation actually. Factory the fans don't kick on until 220 or so. These cars run pretty hot.

Shanes1031

I just went out and checked, both fans turn on with a/c, then I got my digital temps on dash and both fans run at 227, I always thought my temp gauge read 185, the digital auto temp reads 180 something and coolant was 227

Shanes1031

I feel like a total jacka** lol
If I get get a 160 thermostat will that help keep temp down or will I need to get an adjustable fan thermostat also
This is my first vette, always wanted one and I found this 95 with 68000 miles on it so it's still pretty new lol

Shanes1031

Thanks bfenty

Bfenty

Hey man-glad you're enjoying it! So, to be clear, your dash is saying you're at 180 when you're really running at 220? Sounds like you need a new coolant temp sensor.

I'll preface this by saying my experience comes from working on an '85, and I know there are some pretty big differences between the 84-89 and 90-96 models, so double-check me or let someone with a car more similar to yours help you out. Better yet, get a Factory Service Manual! They are complete lifesavers and totally worth the money.

All that said, I think there are 2 coolant temp sensors. One in the front of the block tells your ECM what temp your engine is running at-sounds like that one's good, considering the fan is kicking in at the right time. The other one is on right (I think) side of the engine block, and feeds your gauge. That's probably the one that needs to be replaced. Again, double check me on this one If it's anything like mine, though, it's very easy to replace, and not expensive. Most auto parts stores ought to have the part-just take in the old one to make sure it matches.

Shanes1031

My digital reading says auto 180 something and coolant 227 and the analog was reading 220 something but I can't remember ever seeing it register that high on the analog

RollaMo-LT4

The digital "auto" gauge reading 185 is your transmission fluid temp.

Coolant reading 227 is pretty normal if your sitting still for any length of time.
It was designed to run at those temps.

A 160 thermostat by itself will not lower your coolant temps.

That analog gauge will scare you into thinking your car is overheating.

As long as the digital temp gauge stays below 235°F, your OK

Normal operating temps:
Any speed over approx. 25 mph = 190°F - 200°F
Stopped for any length of time: 198°F - 235°F

With the proper coolant mix and system pressure, your coolant boiling point is approx. 265°F

Shanes1031

Ok thank you