'82 Running HOT

[Docsniper]

My '82 has duel cooling fan's(electric, sensor controled) and normal fan but runs about 200 degrees on hot days but if i turn on the a/c it get really hot and will get into the red if not moving for like 10 min. I have a new thermostat & didn't notice the hoses (upper/lower) contracting. I have thought about the additives in the fluid? the electric fans rarely come on-help!

 

[82X-FireVette]

I would check out the fan clutch. If it is not working properly the fan will not be pulling enough air through the radiator. Watch the fan when you shut the engine down. If it continues to coast, the clutch is definately bad. The electric fan should be running when the temperature is very hot also. Check the fuse and other obvious wiring connections.

 

[JohnZ]

Does it heat up on the highway with the A/C on, or just in low-speed traffic? When it heats up, does highway driving (with the A/C still on) bring the temp back down?

 

[cruzer99]

My 82 never (knock on wood), runs hot so check your hoses and if you haven't flushed your rad .........do it! Sounds like the problem is most likely in the rad.
Goo luck keep us posted

 

[Enigma]

Just my 2 cents.

If it goes into the red and You say that the cooling fans seldom come on.

Sounds like the Temp switch ist kaput.

Enigma

 

[Stallion]

Worst comes to worst, you could drop the brass radiator and pop for an aluminum one. Then you'd be running cool. :cool

What's your AF:H2O ratio?

 

[c4ever]

I really don't see a need for upgrades to the 82 cooling system. My 82 runs at 200 all day even in FL heat. In fact, overall it's cooling capacity is far better than my C4. If the fans, water pump and clutch are operating properly I would take a hard look at the radiator and replace it with a stock heavy duty unit if necessary.
just my .02.

Carlo

 

[Stallion]

If you are going to change out the radiator, then why go for a bulky, not-as-efficient radiator? I would just throw for the alum. one.

TR

 

[clar2001]

The Alum. rad duel spal fans stewart water pump hi flow stat.
Best investment yeat was 95" today sitting in traffic or driving never over 190"......................

 

[Stallion]

Actually, in reality, it's almost a good thing to be running a little over 200. It's said that an engine is more efficient the hotter it gets. But you don't want it at 250 and above.

Stallion

 

[Jack]

My '82 has duel cooling fan's(electric, sensor controled) and normal fan but runs about 200 degrees on hot days but if i turn on the a/c it get really hot and will get into the red if not moving for like 10 min. I have a new thermostat & didn't notice the hoses (upper/lower) contracting. I have thought about the additives in the fluid? the electric fans rarely come on-help!

When everything is in good, clean condition & properly operating) components & coolant) ... you should not need additives.

Once you've ensured the wp, fans/clutches, t'stat, sensors etc are all AOK ... then consider if your aging radiator has buildup inside. That buildup will seriously inhibit the heat transfer from the coolant to the metal rad core. If you think your rad may need cleaning ... take a look at this thread and posts of my very successful experience with “DRY” 2-part Prestone Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner P/N AS100 (GM P/N 12346500).

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24337&highlight=dexcool

Update ...six months & about 10K miles later I'm still running perfect temps & coolant is CLEAN ... NO LEAKS! This included a rather extended high speed run across Appalachians.
JACK:gap