overheating

[mattyg92]

I noticed that if i let my car parked at idle for about 5-10 mins, it seems to almost overheat, the guage goes up very high
or if i am in a parade, it will get very high also.

cruising around no problems, runs cool

i have a 160 thermo stat in it

thanks matt

 

[JT ZR-Won]

Try cleaning in front of the radiator between the air condensor and radiator. Sometimes if it is pretty clogged with junk your radiator doesn't get the proper air flow. Also, how old if your thermostat? Is it possible it's sticking?

Jay

 

[mattyg92]

new t-stat

coolant very clean

radiator is clear from debris

going down the road temp is awesome!

just when sitting idle for 5mins it gets high to high

 

[caddy]

Traditionally Vetts are know for running hot, after you do all that was suggested above you might want to add some water wetter to your coolant system and possibility a switch to turn your fans on and off when in stop n' go traffic, I added the switch to my 94'LT1 and it hasen't run over about 197 since...........GOOD LUCK!

 

[BamaJohn]

Can I jump in with a newbee question? If I install a 160-degree thermo will I have to change the “CHIP” in the computer or will a lower temp switch do the trick. 1991 Coup. Thanks BamaJohn

 

[JRMaroon]

Matt,

If the programming on your '92 is the same as my '94, which I believe it is, your fans won't even come on until it hits 228 degrees. They run until 217 and then the temp runs back up to 228. This appears to be pretty hot when looking at the analog guague but if you are not pinning it into the red you should be OK.

Now here's a trick that goes against what we learned about cars when we were younger. If you want to keep your "in traffic" temperature below the levels stated above, turn your AC on as soon as you get into congestion. This will immediately turn on at least one of your cooling fans regardless of coolant temperature. Otherwise like stated before, no fans until 228.

This is all assuming you don't have an aftermarket chip installed. That could effect your fan operation too.

Jeff

 

[oldace84]

Turn on your A/C. does the temp go down?
tony

 

[jeepie]

BamaJohn, just putting in a 160 stat will not do much, the stat will just open earlier, and the temps will still rise. You need to do two things, first make sure your radiator is clean, mine did not look bad at first but looking through it with a drop light behind it showed about half the fins had sand stuck between them. The second thing is to have the fans turn on earlier, there is two main ways to do this. One is to install a low temp fan switch this goes in the driver side head, a 91 has a plug in the head, I tried several times to get it out with no luck that thing is in there. The other way is to have the chip programming changed, this is what I did. I had mine changed to have both fans come on at 190 and off at 180. That with a 160 stat made a huge difference, mine would shoot up to 230 in traffic, which made me nervous, now the gauge stays right around 1/2 way, since a 91 does not have really have numbers on the gauge I can't give you exact temps.
You can probably find someone here that will change the settings in your chip for a few bucks.
Good luck.

 

[mattyg92]

yeah i would like to know how to get my chip set or buy one that comes on lower

t

 

[grapeknutz]

I had the same problem ended up replacing the radiator, the internal coolent flow was restricted by "liming".

 

[Edmond]

Turn on your A/C. does the temp go down?
tony

Yep, like Jeff above just said, it'll make at least one of the fans turn on.

Matt,

You may also consider trying a bottle or two of Water Wetter in the cooling system. I have two in the system and I'm consistently running at 191. I also had the chip programmed to turn the fans on at 198 instead of 228. Contact Jeff, moderator of the C4 mods forum and he can hook you up.

 

[BamaJohn]

Jeepie, Thanks for the info. I figured the thermostat war just part of the fix but needed to hear it from someone. I really appreciate the tip about the drop light shine through the radiator. I’ll be cleaning mine and straightening some fins. That’s an easy one to miss cuz it looked clean and free of debris at first glance. I’ll order the thermostat, new hoses, fan switches and arrange to have the chip set changed. The vet’s new to me and the temp gauge made me nervous. It sure didn’t take long for this baby to get under my skin. I’ve owned several different European and Japanese sports but none made me feel like this car does.

Sherry, I changed the oil, (Mobil One) and put in a K& N filter. I believe it does run slightly cooler. I don’t know if the K&N is worth the price they get for it but I feel better and that’s what counts. I’ve discovered several “TRICKS” concerning performance and appearance you’all have posted here, I’ll put them to good use. I also appreciate the patience you guy’s have for us new folks. I know it gets frustrating having the same questions asked over and over. I feel like I have friends in the business! Thanks again folks.

 

[BamaJohn]

With spell checker (SORRY)

Jeepie, Thanks for the info. I figured the thermostat was just part of the fix but needed to hear it from someone. I really appreciate the tip about the drop light shining through the radiator. I’ll be cleaning mine and straightening some fins. That’s an easy one to miss cuz it looked clean and free of debris at first glance. I’ll order the thermostat, new hoses; fan switches and arrange to have the chip set changed. The vet’s new to me and the temp gauge made me nervous. It sure didn’t take long for this baby to get under my skin. I’ve owned several different European and Japanese sports but none made me feel like this car does.

Sherry, I changed the oil, (Mobil One) and put in a K& N filter. I believe it does run slightly cooler. I don’t know if the K&N is worth the price they get for it but I feel better and that’s what counts. I’ve discovered several “TRICKS” concerning performance and appearance you’ all have posted here; I’ll put them to good use. I also appreciate the patience you guy’s have for us new folks. I know it gets frustrating having the same questions asked over and over. I feel like I have friends in the business! Thanks again folks.