Overheating?

[04cmnthru]

Had a post on this awhile back that gave me some basic info on Vette operating temps and was generally satisfied in understanding how the cooling system works - Thanks c4c5 Specialist. But, just got back from a 2000 mile trip to Bloomington and continue to be concerned about my Vette's operating temps. Vette is an 04 w/11000 miles. No real mods (Z06 exhaust and air box, performance hood seal).

Here's the condition.

1. As long as the outside temp is less than about 85-88 degrees, the DIC will indicate the coolant temp to be 196.
2. Once outside temp goes above that, the Vette runs between 198 and 202 degrees, regardless of speed. Most of the time, the DIC showed 198. (This is the issue that continues to concern me - I was traveling the Interstates at 70+ mph, with outside temp showing 90 to 95 degrees. It would seem that at this speed, I aught to be running at 196. Quick check with others in the caravan indicated they were not operating above 196).
3. When sitting at a stop light or in heavy traffic, the temp quickly rises to the 220-230 range.

I have ridden in other C5s, and not observed the same conditions. I have also talked to other owners and they don't seem to have this type of thing happen either. Is it possible that I have a small air pocket in the cooling system. I can't believe that the performance hood seal acts to block hot air escaping.

Any help/thoughts
As usual, thanks

 

[AZMike]

Could be an air pocket in the cooling system - have you done work on the cooling system lately?

Another possibility is an abstruction on the radiator. Mine suddenly started to overheat one day. I pulled over to find a plastic bag got sucked up and covered about 3/4 of the radiator.

210 - 220 is not an insanely high temp to run at. Mine sees that range every day here in the 110 degree heat.

 

[04cmnthru]

Thanks. No, haven't done any work on the cooling system. This is a condition that has been present since new. BTW- should have mentioned in original post that the radiator area is free of debris.

 

[AZMike]

Your temp will rise very quickly in stop and go driving if you do not have the A/Z on. The A/C actually helps the motor run cooler since it forces the cooling fans to come on.

 

[hoosierdaddy]

I have a 2000 C-5 with the LS-1, 6 speed and I see temperatures in the 197 to 210 degree range, maybe on ocassion setting in traffic I may see it close to the 220 mark, but as I move it will go back down to the 197 or so range. I did find a lot of crap at the very top of the radiator here while back, cleaned it out, never really made much differance in the temperature range though. Someone told me the fan is not designed to come on until 226 degree range; c4c5 should be able to verify this; I would like to know for sure myself!

My 2 cents worth, good luck.
Bill

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Yes, the cooling fans on c5 come on for temperature at 228 for low speed, and 235 for the high speeds.
They turn off at 208.
Just remember, there are other conditions that they come on, like when the AC is requested on during defrost mode or the like.
Personally, your conditions are completely normal, I would be concerned if there is no drop in temperatures once the fans come on.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[04cmnthru]

Thanks to all. I will stop worrying about it. One thought did cross my mind - I have the Z51 package and was wondering if the presence of a trans cooler might have an impact?

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Thanks c4c5specialist,

That is about what I thought but wanted to hear it from you. I very rarely if ever hear the fans come on. I assume they do but it is rare to hear them if every as I said!

Thanks again,
Bill