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Topic: Engine running too cool?

in Forum: C3 Engines

Engine running too cool?

Posted: 5/16/13 5:32pm Message 1 of 4
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West Bend, WI - USA
Joined: 3/18/2010
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1985 silver coupe & 1975 red coupe
I HAVE A 1975 VETTE WITH A 330hp GM crate engine. When I'm running around in it the Temp gage shows 160 degrees. If the temp gage is correct, is this too cold for this engine? The water pump is new and the radiator was checked out while I was rebuilding the car. Also, the fan shroud does have the extension on it. What thermostat should I have in it? Thanks guys!! Darrell




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Re: Engine running too cool?

Posted: 5/16/13 8:19pm Message 2 of 4
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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
You should drop to your needs and thank the Corvette Gods.....99% of the other Corvettes run too dang HOT! LOL

I would be highly suspicious of the gauge reading....unless you live in Iceland or something, where the normal temps are in the teens.....
I would suggest you get a non-contact type thermometer, and check the actual temp of the coolant on the thermostat housing. Either the gauge, or the sending unit is lying to you. IF, however, it actually IS running that cool, then it can cause problems with condensation in the engine, and accelerated wear.
I would suggest a 180* thermostat......



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Re: Engine running too cool?

Posted: 5/17/13 5:46am Message 3 of 4
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Woodland, WA - USA
Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1171
Vette(s): 1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion
I have seen a lot of posts on this problem the temp senders bought today resistances are not accurate. to try to sum them up a temp sender from AdvanceAuto the BWD WT203Z seems to work best. at water boiling point the sender should read 78 to 82 ohms. you can test your gauge using a variable resistor or you can get 78 ohm resistor from radio shack I believe someone had to get a 68 + 10 to get the 78 and your gauge would read 210. you would remove the wire from the sender hook to resistor to grnd. do a search on temp senders for corvettes ands you will find many post and explanations. do you have the sender from your old motor? you could try it

|UPDATED|5/17/2013 5:46:54 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Re: Engine running too cool?

Posted: 5/24/13 8:05pm Message 4 of 4
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
There's always the possibility that the t-stat is partially stuck open.  It doesn't take much. 

What temperature t-stat are you using?



1973 L-82 4 spd

in Forum: C3 Engines


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