Topic: thermostat ???
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
The other day I got stuck in traffic,and my temp gage started to rise. I had plenty of coolant .Once I started to move again it went down.Just a thought can I run with out a thermostat ,and will it keep the temp down if I do?Or should I put a lower rated themostat in?I not really concerned about the heater,because I don't do winter driving.
Thanks Rick.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
I beleive it is best to keep your thermostat in, unless it is stuck it will not cause you to overheat, they just help the engine get to operating temp sooner. if temperature is climbing at idle and ok when moving you should take a look at your clutch fan. The fan draws the air through the radiator when not moving.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yeah...don't remove the 'stat. The coolant will run thru the radiator so fast it won't have time to cool it, making the problem worse!
I agree that you may have an air-flow prollem sitting still. Check the fan/clutch, and see if all the seals around the rad and the shroud are in place.
A lower rated t-stat will open sooner, temp-wise, but it won't keep it from overheating at stops.
I agree that you may have an air-flow prollem sitting still. Check the fan/clutch, and see if all the seals around the rad and the shroud are in place.
A lower rated t-stat will open sooner, temp-wise, but it won't keep it from overheating at stops.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(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"
Your thermostat only regulates the minimum temp. not the max. temp.
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I had the same problem with mine a few years back.
For what its worth, even a not so mechanically inclined C3er such as myself was able to change out the fan clutch without any trouble.
Worked like a charm. 
Thanks for the input ,just one more question.I don't have A/C so would a flex fan work as well as a clutch fan.
Rick
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I wouldn't trust a flex fan...I've seen many with stress cracks and have heard horror stories of what can happen under the hood should a fiberglass fan break. Urban legend or not, I would avoid them. Flex fans also tend to be noisy...roar at highway speeds. Before I would do that, and I knew there was nothing wrong with the stock fan and clutch, I'd go with electric fans.
Best thing is to verify everything about your system...pressure test the radiator and cap, make sure the hoses are good, make sure the seals around the radiator are installed and good as well as the air deflector under the front end, engine block coolant passages flushed and clean...everything before making changes in fans, etc. No point in swapping parts without finding the true cause of the problem, if there truly is a problem. It may simply be normal for your car under the circumstances it happened.
Hey, Rick, howz it going? I had to have the fan clutch replaced on mine. Also had to have the radiator seals replaced. but my biggist problem was that someone had put pure antifreeze in the system. they said it was like syrup. Fantastic now. Hope you get it worked out!
Barry
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)