Hi All,

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  Seems a tad high. Check T/stat.

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First...make sure it's actually running that hot.  You could have a bad temp sensor or bad gauge.  Once you know that, you can check the more basic areas... Gunslinger2011-02-18 07:54:01

I would suspect the gauge is not telling the truth also....
IF the engine was indeed running that hot, it would be puking coolant all over the place, and the engine would most likely be trying to seize, and run like crap. I'd be inclined to believe the temp sensor is skewed a bit, and not giving the proper signal to the gauge, tho the gauge itself could also be bad.
Does the temp gauge start out at the correct temp when you first start it?


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

if it is at high speeds don't forget the front spoiler it is needed to deflect the air up and into the radiator

I hafta wonder if there is an air bubble in there that is 240 degrees, which is giving your temp sensor that reading when the coolant/engine temp is actually less.

Are you sure you don't have a bottom hose closing and straining the system? If your bottom hose doesn't have the spring in it, that could be a high temp culprit as well. Happened to me. Switched to a hose with a spring and now she runs at 180!

I bought one of those laser temp gauges and it is showing my car is running at 180. Do you know how accurate those gauges are? Also I am looking into buying an aluminum radiator on Ebay. Do you recommend buying such an item for there? Thanks for all your help!


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Hey Darrell,

Last Spring I got an aluminum radiator off of E-Bay from Leadfoot Racing -- $200.00 plus shipping. It took me a while to do the install myself, but if I can do it anyone can.  

The biggest problem I had was the slightly thicker aluminum rad. caused me to have to trim the 4 bumpers that hold it in place. I think the aluminum radiator is an excellent upgrade for any of our C3's. Go for it!

I believe those laser temp guns are accurate I have one and used it a few times. you would want to point it at your thermostat housing should be your operating temp. then point it at the temp sender see if their is a difference.

I really appreciate all the help.

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One more question....2 row or 3 row radiator?

Thanks all!


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It doesn't hurt to have an extra row, as long as it doesn't create clearance issues for installation or the fan.  It's actually more efficient to get a radiator with a core that has an increased number of fins per inch.  If your current core has twelve fins per inch, find a core that has eighteen fins per inch.  You greatly increase your swept area for air cooling and it greatly increases efficiency for heat transfer.

 The tanks are the same size on two or three rows. No clearance problems. Go with a aluminum one.  DIRECT FIT, they do.

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