Took my 84 down to the local mechanic and he told me 225 with AC on is
normal for my vette. I would think if I bought the car brand new in 84' it
would not be running anywhere near 225 but would be locked in at 190 like
all new cars. I have replaced the stock radiator with a new one and am now
looking at the condensor possibly being dirty stopping the air flow. It has
a single electric fan but it runs strong and has good flow. Any ideas would
be of great help.
Thanks,
Mark
PS I have not replaced the thermastat yet as it looks to be opening fine at
about 187.
Dave in Lake Villa - 23 Aug 2005 23:25 GMT
Mark,
1. Verify that its actually running at 225 degrees with an IR
thermometer. Point it and shoot to get the actual temp.
2. If its really that high : wash the radiator/condensor surfaces real
well.
3. Seal up all sides of above.
4. See if your lower radiator hose is collapsing at higher rpms.
5. Thoroughly clean your cooling system with Prestone H.D. Cleaner. ANd,
open all block drains for flushing out.
6. Run no more than 25% antifreeze in the summer , because water is the
best coolant. (add more antifreeze for winter if it gets below 20 f
where you are).
7. If your water pump is the original, id think about a high capacity
Stewart Brand pump . Im very impressed with them. Thier website has an
Open Forum for overheating problems with a qualified Tech answering
questions.
8. For kicks, you could take out your thermostat , temporarily, to see
how it runs .
oreo123@comcast.net - 25 Aug 2005 03:08 GMT
On my 85 it cycles between 228 and 210. The computer is controlling the main
fan.
Is it constantly at 225?
If this only happens with a.c. on on my 85 there is a small fan in front of
the condenser. Do you have that too? If so it cycles on air cond head
pressure and as emergency fan if block temp gets over preset number like
240. This sensor is located between plugs on the passenger side.
> Took my 84 down to the local mechanic and he told me 225 with AC on is
> normal for my vette. I would think if I bought the car brand new in 84' it
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> PS I have not replaced the thermastat yet as it looks to be opening fine
> at about 187.
Brad - 25 Aug 2005 04:06 GMT
Have you tried water wetter? Adding it to your radiator is supposed to
reduce the running temp. It's available at most any chain auto parts store.
Brad
> Took my 84 down to the local mechanic and he told me 225 with AC on is
> normal for my vette. I would think if I bought the car brand new in 84' it
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> PS I have not replaced the thermastat yet as it looks to be opening fine
> at about 187.
Dave in Lake Villa - 25 Aug 2005 12:47 GMT
I like Water Wetter too ; from what i can tell on my car, it does work.
Bones - 25 Aug 2005 14:53 GMT
Check all the things the guys have recommended.
I assume you are sure your hoses are good and your system is clean.
Make sure your transmission is not overheating. Is your engine oil
over 200 also? You could add an oil cooler.
Drain and save ALL your coolant, change to a cooler thermostat, I use
a 160, fill with clean water and add one of the super wetters such as
Water Wetter. There are others, follow the directions. Don't put
coolant mixture back in until temp goes down to freezing outside.
Drain and save, no need to throw mixtures out.
Bones
'87 C4
Dave in Lake Villa - 25 Aug 2005 20:58 GMT
'Drain and save ALL your coolant, change to a cooler thermostat, I use a
160, fill with clean water and add one of the super wetters such as
Water Wetter. There are others, follow the directions. Don't put
coolant mixture back in until temp goes down to freezing outside.'
REPLY: Actually, its not a good idea to run 100 percent water "IF" you
have a/c on the car because the water in the heater core could freeze
and split being just downstream of the A/C's evaporator coil . Redline
Corp. (makers of Water Wetter) recommends running 25% antifreeze with
75% water and water wetter to avoid this problem ; if the car doesnt
have A/C then you may run 100% water with water wetter. If the car is
operated in a cold climate, in the Fall the system should be returned to
adequate levels of antifreeze .