Coolant temps down south

CLABORN1960 · 09-10-02, 10:41 AM

I have read several posts re: coolant temperatures and what they should be, however I have not seen one about temperatures in warm/hot climates. I am in Alabama and for the last few weeks the temperature has been in the mid 90s, and I noticed that my coolant temperature when at a standstill reaches the 240 to 250 range. It goes back down to around 200-220 when driving during these hot days. When the outside temperature is below 90 degrees, the coolant temp at idle stays around 230-240..... Is this normal??

Thanks for your feedback.......

Vettelt193 · 09-10-02, 10:52 AM

Here are a couple of questions to start off with...

1) are you using the digital coolant readout, or the anaolog readout?

2) A/C on or off?

3)do a quick check of your fans... turn on the car, A/C On, open the hood... Are Both fans running?

4) those temps are too hot, I live in FL, and mine doesn't get that high, but, if a fan is broken and your A/C is on, it will get that high... write back and let us know

CLABORN1960 · 09-10-02, 10:58 AM

The fans come on when they should, and I am using the digital readout, I can't really tell with the analog where the temp is at, other than real hot........ The temp is like that with the A/C on or off.... when the A/C is on both fans run.......

09-10-02, 11:21 AM

the coolent temp should never really go higher than 230 degrees. The fans should come on around 227-228. Sometimes mine will spike to 230 before the fans get control of the situation. I would say your situation is to high.

Vettelt193 · 09-10-02, 11:30 AM

This means you have a problem... Start off with a cooling system flush... If you need istructions, there is an easy way to do it that I can provide you.... We have had some discussion on cooling in this forum, there is a good thread called "summer cooling" read it here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/foru...summer+cooling

I would try to do a flush.. when you refill, use a 80% water, 20% coolant mix... this has worked better for me. Also check under your waterpump.... there is a small hole... if there is coolant coming out of the hole, the waterpump is toast.... Another good idea is a thermostat... you can go with a 160 degree stat, which won't help your temperatures while sitting still, but if your car runs cooler while you are moving, it will take longer for the car to heat up that much at a stoplight.

09-10-02, 11:33 AM

Also you may need to clean and flush the front of the radiator. Look under the front bumper and look high all kinds of crap can get stuck up there.

Vettelt193 · 09-10-02, 11:37 AM

;stupid

When i pulled the radiator on my '87, it was like a garbage dump... plastic shopping bags, dirt, grime, paper... you name it, it was stuck in there... half the battle is just keeping the thing clean on the outside... on your '93, there is an access hole on the passenger side... check it out with a flashlight

CLABORN1960 · 09-10-02, 12:33 PM

Okay I will do a radiator flush..... I should add that I am using the orange stuff.... Is the green stuff better??

Vettelt193 · 09-10-02, 12:45 PM

I have not had good experience with the orange stuff, besides that it stays clean... I know my '93, with the green stuff, ran much cooler

tyrel · 09-10-02, 01:08 PM

You may need to remove your radiator to clean it. Here is an excellent article on pulling the radiator, which IMHO every C4 owner should perform as part of regular long-term maintenance.

http://www.batee.com/corvette/dcrg/r...scuss_sim3.htm

09-10-02, 07:31 PM

Well no one answered the orginal question.

My 94 runs between 197 and about 205 degrees on the digital. This is in Florida when its 92 out and with the A/C blasting away.

I know my system was flushed and the radiator replaced by the last owner.

I don't know what temp therm is in it.

carguru · 09-10-02, 10:09 PM

With the A/C on mine runs between 215 and 220 in stop and go traffic in 90+ degree days. With the A/C off, reads 230 until fans kick on then 220-225 in stop and go traffic. 240 is a bit high. Definitely flush the cooling system and clean out the front side of the radiator. You wouldn't believe how much trash these cars pick up.

FordNoMore! · 09-10-02, 10:26 PM

Well here is my 2 cents worth, First off ,manual fan control would be a great addition, 160 degree stat, coolant flush,if ya want a great easy way to flush, email me , kgiorgi@lvcm.com, i have a flush procedure that is easy and not messy at all,When ya do refill, always remember Water has the best heat dispurtion over any antifreeze, granted if you live in a climate that is cold in the winter and you intend to drive or store the car you will need some anti freeze in the system, but if you live in a climate like i live in Las Vegas, Water is King, along with the addition of water Wetter by Red Oil products, you can find it at most dealership parts counters, I have done all of the above procedures and I Honestly run between 170-180 in the Desert heat of 110 in traffic, I do believe it did creep up above 180 once,but I have been very pleased withthe outcom, I guess the condition of the radiator comes into affect somewhat also, but I only have 26k miles on my ride so I would presume it has limited sludge build up.Hope this helps a bit , good luck and Happt motoring.

FordNoMore! · 09-10-02, 10:28 PM

Sorry! Excuse my poor abnormal spelling,friggin Broken fingas are a pain in tha arse,LOL.

09-10-02, 11:07 PM

I live in Southern California and upon buying my 93 RRR I noticed that she ran as hot (up to 240-250) as yours in traffic on hot (100 degree) days. Obviously, this is not good. I found that the radiator had severely restricted flow. I removed it and had it rotted and had the fins straightened. After putting it back in - I installed a 180 degree stat and Doug Rippie high performance chip (which starts the fans at 195). Now I can drive through the mountains on a 100 degree day with the A/C on and I can't get it above 210 degrees (thankfully). Typically, she'll stay around 190-195 just cruisin around all day in the heat.