car gets hot
car gets hot ive been noticing more lately.. that it takes ruffly 2-4 mins for my car to get to operating temp (210) and it stays there. from 1st start in the morning. then when i turn the A/C on the car tends to run about 230.. but usually ill just turn it off when it starts to creep like that. im kinda stuck. im leadin more towards the thermostat. but ever once in a while u can smell some antifreeze.. but it doesnt leak anywhere. lets hear some input!!! thxs guys
well i dont know if its really sticking or not.. because it never gets hot.. only when i hit the A/C on.. i can run around all day and it wont go over 210.. so thats why im leadin to other things
Its in all the stickies 
99+ Fbodies have a FAKE temp guage, its not your actuall temp. it gives an average. it has basically three settings, cool, 210(normal) and overheating. you engine temp can be anywhere from 160-230+ but it'll read 210.
98 ls1's are the only year with a functional guage.
99+ Fbodies have a FAKE temp guage, its not your actuall temp. it gives an average. it has basically three settings, cool, 210(normal) and overheating. you engine temp can be anywhere from 160-230+ but it'll read 210.
98 ls1's are the only year with a functional guage.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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The cooling system on these cars is borderline even when new from the factory especially with the AC running in stop and go traffic in hot climates like TX, OK, and KS (90s +).
So if you car is a 98 or 99 there's a good chance the radiator and the ac condensor is partially clogged with dirt and grime. In addition the inside of the radiator might be the same.
To diagnose, start with the basics.
Make sure both fans are working. Install new radiator cap. Install a 180 or lower thermostat. Flush the radiator and add a new mixture of 50/50 antifreeze. Clean the AC condensor and radiator of grime and bugs. Edit your pcm to turn the second fan on earlier before the temps go so high it's harder to lower the temps.
If the above doesn't solve the problem, then it's probably time to clean the radiator or install a new one.
Since the radiator's cooling capacity is borderline from the get-go, be prepared to assume it's won't cool if you've lost 10 to 15 percent or more of its cooling ability because of the reasons above.
So if you car is a 98 or 99 there's a good chance the radiator and the ac condensor is partially clogged with dirt and grime. In addition the inside of the radiator might be the same.
To diagnose, start with the basics.
Make sure both fans are working. Install new radiator cap. Install a 180 or lower thermostat. Flush the radiator and add a new mixture of 50/50 antifreeze. Clean the AC condensor and radiator of grime and bugs. Edit your pcm to turn the second fan on earlier before the temps go so high it's harder to lower the temps.
If the above doesn't solve the problem, then it's probably time to clean the radiator or install a new one.
Since the radiator's cooling capacity is borderline from the get-go, be prepared to assume it's won't cool if you've lost 10 to 15 percent or more of its cooling ability because of the reasons above.
Last edited by dlandsvZ28; Jul 14, 2005 at 02:10 AM.
