overheating at idle

[SpaceGoat]

Just recently it seems the coolant temp goes beyond 225 degrees F every time im sitting at a light or just parked with the car running. Most of the time i only let it get to about 232 then i drive and it returns to about 190. The fan works, new thermostat, my waterpump is a few months old. I have no idea whats going on. I had to leave my car running for a while on tuesday because my starter was going and i didnt want to get stuck somewhere, thats the day this began.

Thanks
SpaceGoat

 

[MBDiagMan]

Are you sure the system is full of coolant? These cars can be difficult to get completely filled.

Also, do you have a fan in both front and rear of radiator? If so, one is actuated by the computer, the other by a temp sensor in the head. Make SURE they both are working when they are supposed to.

Good luck,

 

[WNH]

Don't know whats wrong----But:

I see you have a Malcolm Konner edition, very rare- only 50 of them made [I think}.

I used to get my vettes serviced there [ @ Malcolm Konner Chevrolet], on Rt 17 Paramus.
His family sold that dealership when Konner passed. Now its a "Car Shopping Center".
They used to hold good Corvette shows there--no more.

 

[RedRagTop]

Any chance there is road crap stuck on your rad between the air conditioner and coolant rads? I hear this is a common prob, will be checking mine out shortly...

 

[Skant]

What you're describing is normal operation unless you've altered the car. The car will come up to a little over 230 degrees when it's idling. 190 degrees while it's moving is typical as well.

You should hear the aux fan turn on when it reaches about 232. It should not reach 240.

- Skant

 

[Bill Heygster]

I agree with what Skant says. My 85 does exactly that. It's scary to see those high temps but it's just what the book says it's supposed to do. I installed a fan override switch after participating in a summer parade a couple years ago. Allows the prmary fan to run prior to being called for. Costs abot $12 from Mid America. I also use it in the summer if I get stuck in traffic. It's cheap peace of mind

 

[86er]

Just recently it seems the coolant temp goes beyond 225 degrees F every time im sitting at a light or just parked with the car running. Most of the time i only let it get to about 232 then i drive and it returns to about 190. The fan works, new thermostat, my waterpump is a few months old. I have no idea whats going on. I had to leave my car running for a while on tuesday because my starter was going and i didnt want to get stuck somewhere, thats the day this began.

Thanks
SpaceGoat

I second the motion from Skant and Bill H. Definitely check between radiator, you'll be surprised how many inches of debris clogging radiator performance and a fan switch is a great and cheap option to fire fans at will!!!

 

[Jersey-vinny]

Here's an alternative to the overide switch. Check the aftermarket catalogs (Mid America, Ecklers etc ) for a replacement temp sensor which will turn the fans on at 200 degrees. Put one in my '88 . Love it . Don't need to remember to switch anything on.

VINNY

 

[86er]

Here's an alternative to the overide switch. Check the aftermarket catalogs (Mid America, Ecklers etc ) for a replacement temp sensor which will turn the fans on at 200 degrees. Put one in my '88 . Love it . Don't need to remember to switch anything on.

VINNY

Vinny is right, slap it in and forget about it!!!!

 

[Vettefan87]

It is normal for the C4's to run that hot, but i did not like my coolant temp getting that high. so first i installed a 160 degree T-stat. Then i got a Hypertech thermo master chip that turns the fans on at 175. You might want to check to see if there is a air pocket in the coolant system in your car and check to see if there are any leaves in the front of your radiator.

 

[86er]

It is normal for the C4's to run that hot, but i did not like my coolant temp getting that high. so first i installed a 160 degree T-stat. Then i got a Hypertech thermo master chip that turns the fans on at 175. You might want to check to see if there is a air pocket in the coolant system in your car and check to see if there are any leaves in the front of your radiator.

Like Vettefan87, I also have ThermoMaster Chip & 160 T-stat, in bad traffic I might see 195 tops and only for a few minutes, otherwise averages 165 degrees, but I am in Florida and its always hot here, even in Winter months. The chip turns fans on early, that's the secret. But 160 may be too cool in a colder climate!

 

[Vettefan87]

I live in Northern Indiana. In the colder days the heater is not bad. I have not drove in the winter with snow on the ground so im not sure how it would fair then.