Just installed 160 thermostat, now I'm running hotter?
#1
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I have a 98 Camaro Z28. Noteworthy engine modifications: Shaner S3, LS6 intake, MAC headers, 2.5" true duals, custom tuning (for when I had the above except without the TB and with LT's and 3" true duals.)
I lost alot of coolant when doing the swap. I overfilled the coolant on accident, not sure how I should fix that or if it will fix itself.
With my stock thermostat, I'd never see temperatures over 185* (according to the gauge.) Now that I put the Hypertech 160 thermostat in, I'm seeing crusing temperatures of ~195* and idle temperatures of ~225* (according to the gauge.)
I'm going to try and get my friend to AutoTap my car to see what the true coolant temperature is. I believe the fan operating temperatures were lowered when I was tuned. They turn on around 180*.
Does this sound normal? I followed the instructions for bleeding the coolant system and afterwards it got damn near the red area on the temperature gauge. It doesn't get that hot now after crusing around a little bit and letting it idle for 5 minutes (half the time with the A/C on.)
I lost alot of coolant when doing the swap. I overfilled the coolant on accident, not sure how I should fix that or if it will fix itself.
With my stock thermostat, I'd never see temperatures over 185* (according to the gauge.) Now that I put the Hypertech 160 thermostat in, I'm seeing crusing temperatures of ~195* and idle temperatures of ~225* (according to the gauge.)
I'm going to try and get my friend to AutoTap my car to see what the true coolant temperature is. I believe the fan operating temperatures were lowered when I was tuned. They turn on around 180*.
Does this sound normal? I followed the instructions for bleeding the coolant system and afterwards it got damn near the red area on the temperature gauge. It doesn't get that hot now after crusing around a little bit and letting it idle for 5 minutes (half the time with the A/C on.)
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Did you let it heat up and open with the cap off? It will overflow that will fix the overfilling issue. As for running hotter. Not sure. Good luck. Anyone else got any suggestion for this guy.
#3
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Hi
When the engine is warm, use an antifreez tester to draw some of the coolent out of the surge tank. You may have to extend the length of the hose a little with a piece of 5/16" steel line.
I also have a 98 (stock fan settings) and your temperatures do not seem to be that out of line. If idling, my gauge will hit 100 degree C before the fans kick in. This is 212 degree F. However, the change you are talking about is significant. Most likely the settings in your tune are now different.
If it is truly reaching 225 that is too hot in my opinion. I would work on getting the true temperature and then determining the current fan settings (as compared to stock). I hope this helps.
JA
When the engine is warm, use an antifreez tester to draw some of the coolent out of the surge tank. You may have to extend the length of the hose a little with a piece of 5/16" steel line.
I also have a 98 (stock fan settings) and your temperatures do not seem to be that out of line. If idling, my gauge will hit 100 degree C before the fans kick in. This is 212 degree F. However, the change you are talking about is significant. Most likely the settings in your tune are now different.
If it is truly reaching 225 that is too hot in my opinion. I would work on getting the true temperature and then determining the current fan settings (as compared to stock). I hope this helps.
JA
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I lost alot of coolant when doing the swap. I overfilled the coolant on accident, not sure how I should fix that or if it will fix itself.
It sounds like you need more coolant. Open the cap, let the car get a little warm (where the thermostat is open and the coolant is flowing) then fill with dex-cool. This purges the air out of the system which could cause overheating.
Good luck!
It sounds like you need more coolant. Open the cap, let the car get a little warm (where the thermostat is open and the coolant is flowing) then fill with dex-cool. This purges the air out of the system which could cause overheating.
Good luck!
#5
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Yeah, I'm thinking I might have air pockets or something.
Just went out on the highway with it. Ran at about 175* while driving. If I came to a light off the highway, it would stay around 185* but as soon as I started moving it'd shoot up to 210* and a little past. Shortly after, it would go back down to 175* range.
Albiet, it is cooler outside than it was before.
I'm going to have the radiator flushed tomorrow. Hopefully that'll fix it.
Thanks for all the input. I'll report back.
Just went out on the highway with it. Ran at about 175* while driving. If I came to a light off the highway, it would stay around 185* but as soon as I started moving it'd shoot up to 210* and a little past. Shortly after, it would go back down to 175* range.
Albiet, it is cooler outside than it was before.
I'm going to have the radiator flushed tomorrow. Hopefully that'll fix it.
Thanks for all the input. I'll report back.
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#9
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A trick I used on my LS1 to get the air out.
let it get to temp (and open the stat up), then shut the engine off, pull the upper radiator hose off the radiator, and pour in hot (this is important, cold water would be rather bad) water in the hose, with it held well up above the engine. Just keep pouring until coolant pours from the radiator (where you removed the hose). Congratulations, you're now gravity bled.
This took me all of 5 minutes (including getting up to temp) and I've had my temp sitting at 190* (stock stat) ever since. No bubbles, no coolant loss, no problems.
Much quicker then most of the seemingly problematic bleeding and filling techniques I've found thus far.
let it get to temp (and open the stat up), then shut the engine off, pull the upper radiator hose off the radiator, and pour in hot (this is important, cold water would be rather bad) water in the hose, with it held well up above the engine. Just keep pouring until coolant pours from the radiator (where you removed the hose). Congratulations, you're now gravity bled.
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This took me all of 5 minutes (including getting up to temp) and I've had my temp sitting at 190* (stock stat) ever since. No bubbles, no coolant loss, no problems.
Much quicker then most of the seemingly problematic bleeding and filling techniques I've found thus far.