S/N LOCATION & WATER FLOW

[dchatcher]

I have a '96 LT1 Engine and need to know the location of the serial number and as I understand it, the coolant flow on this engine is reversed from normal - engine outflow at the top of the radiator and inflow at the bottom. Based on reverse of normal, from the hoses on the engine it appears the inflow to the engine was from the left side of the water pump to the radiator upper; and the pump outflow from the right side of the pump to the lower on the radiator.

Is this correct?

 

[toptechx6]

The engine identification number (partial VIN) should be stamped on the front of the cylinder block below the right head, the ignition coil and/or ICM may be bolted on top of it.
You are confused about the LT1 reverse cooling system, it refers to flow through the engine not the radiator. Coolant from the water pump first flows to the cylinder heads then to the block, that is the reverse of most engines. Flow to the radiator is the same, the water pump outlet is on the left side and goes to the top of the radiator, the return is on the right (thermostat side) from the bottom of the radiator.

 

[dchatcher]

Looking at an article on this site - Corvette Action Knowledge Center v.4 92-96 LT1 Reverse Flow, "92-96 LT1 Reverse Flow Cooling System by Scott Muller" says the radiator flow is also reversed with the hot engine outflow going to the bottom of the radiator and the radiator cool outflow to the engine coming from the top of the radiator. Is this article incorrect??

 

[toptechx6]

Without reading the article I hesitate to say the author is wrong but based on this illustration from the 96 Factory Service Manual I'd have to believe he is.

My 93 service manual shows the same direction of flow for Lt1 and LT5 engines.

 

[Itshakes]

Reverse Flow Cooling

toptechx6--You have it absolutely correct!!!

 

[dchatcher]

Thanks for the diagram! I'll go with the flow as you have indicated. The LT1engine/tranny is going in a 1937 Chrysler Royal 4dr sedan with a '02 Camaro rearend.

 

[toptechx6]

Thanks for the diagram! I'll go with the flow as you have indicated. The LT1engine/tranny is going in a 1937 Chrysler Royal 4dr sedan with a '02 Camaro rearend.

Damn, 33 years as a Chrysler product technician and I can't get away from them even after I'm retired and hiding here on a Vette forum.:L

 

[Hib Halverson]

The Service Manual is correct.
While flow through the engine is reversed (ie: first the heads then the block) the flow through the radiator is not "reversed".

This is because the same radiator configuration was used prior to 92 on the base engine and from 90-95 on ZR-1.

 

[rmagee7]

hib,being this is about coolant flow would you happen to have a vaccuum diagram for a 1988 vette with electronic heat and air?i need to know where the vacuum line goes off the checkvalve by the distributor then into the dash? finally found my vac leak and got my heat and air,and by golly my cruise is working again! i 'm just going to replace all the vac lines and hose i just need to know were it goes int the dash at thanks please forgive the thread jump

 

[Hib Halverson]

I have an 88 Factory Service manual and I'd imagine that in that book there might be a diagram. Unfortunately, today's not the day that I have time to get up in the stacks and read the book.

May I suggest that you buy a FSM from Corvette Central or one of Vette parts vendors which carry them.