joseph p

I have a question about my '39 Buick hotrod that has the same 350 TPI engine and 700R4 trans as my 1989 Corvette.
I know I've read about the inability to change thermostats in our vettes but this car, probably due to the configuration of the grille and radiator, runs extremely hot. There is a brand new Ron Francis factory-type wiring harness and a 1990 computer controlling it.
Can I run the car without a stat or with a 160 degree one?
Will the computer accept it?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

bjankuski

You can use a 160 degree T-stat and the computer will work with it but the real issue is lack of cooling ability by the configuration of the grille and radiator and changing the t-stat will not fix the problem. Are the fans coming on at the proper temperature and does the engine continue to heat up? If the answer is yes to both of these questions then the real problem is the radiator, grill or both. No t-stat will compensate for a lack of cooling capacity.

Make sure the fans are coming on at the proper temperature. How hot is it getting?

joseph p

The fan did come on...and stayed on. Radiator is new and the biggest I could have made.

markKlein

Tstat controls the minimum temp,not the maximum. Unless it is stuck closed of course, have you checked that? How hot is it getting?

rick lambert

Two other alternatives.....even though you haven't said HOW Hot it's getting.

Rather than change thermostats you can order a Lower temp. fan switch from someone like Eckler's...9 yrs. ago it cost $39.99, it essentially lets the fan(s) come on at a lower temp.

Second, Chevy offered an auxillary fan...installed in front of the radiator, mine has one. They were only available from 1985-1990.

I changed my thermostat to a 180 (87 vette) installed the new switch on at about 210-off at 180...both fans. It's run very nice since I installed it 9 years ago. And of course I cleaned between the radiator and condensor(which your hot rod doesn't have, unless it has air condition).

joseph p

The reason I asked this is because on the maiden voyage it overheated, bucked under acceleration and seemed to go into limp mode because I could barely get it to shift after it slowly went into second (auto).
Today I discovered the o2 sensor wire was unplugged...could that be a cause?
Timing is set at 6 BTDC...new thermostat put in (195 degree)

Any thoughts?

corvetteronw

I can give you a new 195 degree thermostat if you want to see if a stuck thermostat is your problem. I had it in my 91 just for a start up and a check to see if the car had any fuel leaks. It has maybe 20 minutes of use and worked fine. I switched to a lower temp stat just cause I wanted to.
Just pay shipping from 49331. I got it at NAPA. PM me if you want it.

joseph p

Thanks, but I already put a new one in (the kind that fail-open.)

joseph p

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WW7

If the O2 sensor being unplugged was causing the motor to run lean, then it's possible it was causing it to run hot..Best way to tell is plug the 02 in and go for a ride..WW