Over Heating Problem...
09-01-2002, 08:24 PM
#1
Over Heating Problem...
My 84 15th has 71K original miles ans was parked for about 6 years. Since I bought it last week I've put about 300 miles on it driving it to work. The car has already had a complete tune-up and it already passed smog. The car runs PERFECT.
When I got the car, the full operating temp used to be right at 220 or 225 for the first couple of days. It would get up to about 230 then I could see it go back down to 220 and stay there. Well the last few days the full running temp has been getting higher and higher each time I drove it, 230 then 240, 250 and now almost 260!!!! I got home before the needle got into the red 260 mark!
Today I just bought a 160 degree thermostat to install assuming it was that which was the problem but today when I opened my hood I discovered that the hood insulation was wet and smothering the cap to the coolant overflow bottle! It was all the way around the cap preventing it from venting properly. Could this have been my problem all along or is it really my thermostat?
When I got the car, the full operating temp used to be right at 220 or 225 for the first couple of days. It would get up to about 230 then I could see it go back down to 220 and stay there. Well the last few days the full running temp has been getting higher and higher each time I drove it, 230 then 240, 250 and now almost 260!!!! I got home before the needle got into the red 260 mark!
Today I just bought a 160 degree thermostat to install assuming it was that which was the problem but today when I opened my hood I discovered that the hood insulation was wet and smothering the cap to the coolant overflow bottle! It was all the way around the cap preventing it from venting properly. Could this have been my problem all along or is it really my thermostat?
09-01-2002, 09:46 PM
#2
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Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: T-56
Unless you forgot to mention it, I would first start with a cooling system flush if it is the same stuff that has been sitting in there for the last 6 years.
Tom
Tom
09-02-2002, 01:00 PM
#4
Well I consider a coolant flush to be part of a tune-up so yes that was done. The hoses are new so I guess I'll flush it again when I change the thermostat (thank *** it's cheap to do) and if that doesn't do it then I'll do the water pump.....
09-02-2002, 03:32 PM
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Is the radiator overflowing when it overheats if not it might be temp sending unit or the gauge might be bad. You might want to put a new radiator cap if you have not already done so because the cooling system has to properly pressurized to work properly. Hope this helps you in your situation. John
09-02-2002, 04:00 PM
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It might help some if the cap on it is 6+yrs old And I would use a 50/50 water /atifreeze. Make sure your airdam is in good shape,Fan is working properly and Thermostat is working properly. Also make sure your waterpump is ciculating good.
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09-02-2002, 04:42 PM
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Originally posted by 92GTA
Ok, so I'll replace the radiator cap, I always use a 50/50 mix anyway, I said I already plan on replacing the thermorstat, my fan works great, and how do I tell if the water pump is working well?
Ok, so I'll replace the radiator cap, I always use a 50/50 mix anyway, I said I already plan on replacing the thermorstat, my fan works great, and how do I tell if the water pump is working well?
Is your ignition timing correct?
Akshay
09-02-2002, 04:54 PM
#10
No, the water pump doesn't make any noise. From what I've seen they will leak when the bearings go out through the weep holei n the bottom or top. My is fine.
I'm sure my timing is perfect because they check it as part of a CA emissions testing and it just passed like 2 weeks ago...
I'm sure my timing is perfect because they check it as part of a CA emissions testing and it just passed like 2 weeks ago...
09-02-2002, 05:09 PM
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Make sure the engine is cool take the rad cap off start the engine and watch to make sure it circulate when the stat opens you will be abl to see if it has good flow. The stat is probaly causing your overheating prob. It is probaly stuck open slightly, not enough to get full flow.
09-02-2002, 05:25 PM
#12
Yeah that's what I think so I'm going to change the thermostat as soon as I can and just not drive the car until then. I think a 160 degree thermostat and a good coolant flush with a 50/50 mix will take care of it.
One more thing you guys, does the L69 have a sensor in the radiator to turn the fan on at a certain temp? Also, what are my options for replacing it as far as getting maybe a sensor that will turn the fan on at like 180 degrees?
One more thing you guys, does the L69 have a sensor in the radiator to turn the fan on at a certain temp? Also, what are my options for replacing it as far as getting maybe a sensor that will turn the fan on at like 180 degrees?
09-02-2002, 06:10 PM
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If it is a single elec Im not sure if it has one. I have dual electric and they have a fan switch. I got one at Hypertech and comes on 160 something I believe. Also I have a 180 stat and at a red light with the A/C on at 98*+ my car rarely gets over 210.
Last edited by JOHN/88IROCZ; 09-02-2002 at 06:15 PM.
09-02-2002, 11:48 PM
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Car: 91 Z28
Engine: LB9
Transmission: WC T5
my car was overheating really bad not to long ago too...i tried a 160 and 180 stat and it didnt seem to make a difference...i had a new radiator and water pump, i replaced the sending unit for the gauge and still no luck....finally i ditched the clutch fan and got a dual fan setup out of like a 91 and hooked it up to a toggle switch so there on all the time and i put the stock 195 stat back in and drilled 3 small holes in just for a little extra flow be4 the stat opens and now my car stays between 200 and 215 and this is in az when temps outside are close to 110+ almost everyday....
09-03-2002, 05:08 AM
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Car: 1989 Camaro Iroc-Z
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: Auto 4
How do you guys see that fine of temp difference on your engine, are you measuring it with a heat gauge on the block?
All that I currently have to keep an eye on mine is the oil temp gauge and the coolant temp gauge, neither of which are very accurate....
All that I currently have to keep an eye on mine is the oil temp gauge and the coolant temp gauge, neither of which are very accurate....
09-03-2002, 06:23 PM
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Put the right thermostat back in otherwise it will run like crap, because the ECM is controlled by water temp among other things, your car will run in closed loop and wont open up, (Witch means it will run rich). does your cheack engine light come on when you first turn key on. If not replace bulb. If its blown it will mess eith ECM and not make it cycle relays and switches.Wich controll fans and other things.Does fan even cycle??? any questions write
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