Topic: puzzled w/ engine temp SOLVED
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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DaveM
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Flanders, NJ - USA
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Vette(s): 1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear,
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The thermostat only controls the min. temp. of the engine not the max. temp.
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eddie20875
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[QUOTE=DaveM]The thermostat only controls the min. temp. of the engine not the max. temp.[/QUOTE]
yes thats right. a lower temp stat will let the water start flowing sooner so the temp might not get that high. also with a lower temp sensor for the fans will make it so they don't have to cool it down from a higher temp.
yes thats right. a lower temp stat will let the water start flowing sooner so the temp might not get that high. also with a lower temp sensor for the fans will make it so they don't have to cool it down from a higher temp.
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lukesvette
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A lower thermostat sometimes may not give water enough time to cool in the radiator also....
C3s are somwewhat hot blooded due to the limited amount of grill space. As pointed out in a related thread, the holes in the bottom filler panel and the spoiler are meant to improve the air supply to the front of the radiator.
Have these higher temps also sustained at cruising speed? If so, then definitely something not right if it got hotter than before. Hotter temps after idling for a long time could give you a false impression - tells me something if the temp maxed at 225 and went no higher.... perhaps you need some air movement besides what the fans are pulling while parked to see what the true operating temperature is....
Just some additional thoughts, thinking about your symptoms Jim.
Good luck
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74stingray454
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Today ( monday) its supposed to be nice and cool, I think Ill take her for a ride and see what happens! and while I am out, pick up a different t-stat74stingray454 2007-04-09 04:48:00
warbird
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I have the same setup as you, my BB stays at 200 degrees. Since everything was fine until you did your upgrades, I suggest you also look at your timing.
Also check all of your hoses to make sure none are kinked or collapsing, especially the lower rad hose.
74stingray454
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Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
my timing is set right at 12 degrees, all the hoses look fine as well..... lower hose is good to go thanks for the input
74stingray454
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**** UPDATE****
Ran a direct wire ground to the fan sending unit to have the fans run all the time.... drove the car 75 miles and it never broke over 200 degrees....
so either the sending unit is bad or it simply has a bad ground to the radiator allowin gthe sending unit to turn on ONLY when it has a good ground... I look at this being the culprit a week or so ago.... guess I should have paid it more attention
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Glad you found the problem. From experience, C3 grounding issues are a pain. 
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Time to do the happy dance 
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