Coach62

Ok, been gone a long time, looking to buy another vette. I've been vettless for about 7 years now.

Test drove a 95 with only 53K on it. I'm thinking I should maybe pass??

The temp went up to the last hash mark during a short test drive, when I got back I looked in the overflow and it was dry, except for some funky scum. Looked for a radiator cap, there was none??? Is there a radiator cap somewhere?

Also, the tranny fluid was a brown color with a reddish tint. Also not good.

I'm obviously concerned about this, thinking I should pass. Anyone disagree? I should note that the car ran strong, even got a little sideways going into second gear (automatic).

Clarification here: By last hash mark, I mean 3/4 towards hot, not full scale hot. Shouldn't it remain around mid-scale on the gauge?

The car was only running for 5 minutes or so. I went WOT through first gear only twice.

Also, what all should I be looking at when shopping for these C4 cars? Any help is appreciated.

65Z01

I think your "run" conclusion is very sound...

94flavette

Was this a private party sale or were you at a dealer?

Coach62

Yes, it was a private party. If it was an actual dealership I would've felt better.

Clarification here: By last hash mark, I mean 3/4 towards hot, not full scale hot.

The car was only running for 5 minutes or so. I went WOT through first gear only twice.

94flavette

Run

aminnich

Radiator cap is on the surge tank, passenger side just in front of the firewall. Empty overflow tank can be a problem or just very poor maintenance. Fans don't even come on until 227* and 236* by design, so yes, the C4s run hotter than most cars. Have you read up on the LT1/4 engines?

Coach62

I thought I had, but I obviously have some more to learn. Shouldn't the analog gauge read about mid-scale? Especially since I only ran it for literally 5 minutes? Like I said, I only went WOT twice, and only through 1st gear.

I don't like not having a regular radiator cap to inspect the inside the radiator.

desertmike1

Not unusual for the Analog gauge to hit 3/4. Especially if your pullin power, the real question is what did the digital gauge get up to!

I wouldn't be all that concerned about the cooling system, other then doing some badly needed maintenance. The real concern is what shape is the tranny in? Did the fluid smell burnt.

markKlein

Sounds like the temp was prpbably fine. Always check the dihital resdout, not the analog. Mid 220s is well within specs.

aminnich

Don't worry about looking in the radiator, the plastic side caps are what usually leak first anyway. On the passenger side top of the shroud there is an opening for the AC lines. Look in there with a flashlight for debris build up and if any make up a hose for your shop vac and suck the crud out. That is the most likely cause for running hot. Where are you located?

Coach62

Not sure what the digi read. I didn't know how to cycle through it and wasn't comfortable doing so while driving a car I wasn't familiar with. Not to mention - I didn't notice it until I pulled in the driveway.

Shouldn't I be concerned about the dry overflow tank? Only a little bit of scummy crud in it??

As far as the tranny fluid smell - it wasn't a particularly strong smell, but wasn't a normal smell either. The color was definitely off - no question about that.

Why is it that 80% or more of people never change the tranny fluid? They'll do the oil religiously, but never the tranny, radiator, rear diff, etc.

1Asterisk

Did the guy drive it before meeting you?

Having it run around 3/4's of the gauge is normal. It freaked me out when I first saw this, but the fans don't come on till around then. When the car is out of stop and go, it will probably drop a decent bit.

kimmer

Cooling system can be cleaned but the trans would worry me, It's been neglected. Usually when the trans fluid is that color and you change it you soon end up loseing a clutch pak.

85z51vette

It's possible the car had been run earlier, with residual heat from that making it seem like coolant temps rose faster than expected. My '94 operates normally from mid to upper 3/4s of the analog gauge. Like mentioned earlier, fans don't come on until 227* and 236* by design.

The cap on the surge tank is where you'll check things out. If memory serves me, it was relocated here as it is the highest point in the cooling system and aids in removing air.

Designed Interiors

aminnich

Another thing to look for on a low mileage Vette is bad tires. Always check the DOT numbers as even good looking tires can be old and hard.

desertmike1

Do you have any pics to offer up!

This may turn out to be just fine, these cars are pretty robust...need info

mrmtrtrnd

The overflow tank was like that on mine and did a complete flush. I cleaned out the stuff in front of the radiator(you get to that from under the front of the car). After that was done I took a air hose and blew out any dirt in and around the radiator and condenser and it runs at factory temps even on hot days. The trans you may want a shop to check that out for you.

92ragtop

if you don't feel really confident about the tranny, look elsewhere.

PLRX

I hope you are not looking for that one post to tell you "go ahead its a good deal". Run away from it.