DKBLUE79

my 79 is running between 210-220*F the fan is running and i checked the fluids and that the rad. isnt blocked what should i do?

Corvette_fetish

My '79 normally runs in the same temperature range. It has been suggested to me that I replace the stock radiator with an aluminum that has dual attached fans, basically eliminating the whole shroud fixture. I sort of remember a long time Vette mechanic telling me that 210 - 220 was our car's normal operating temp., but I could be wrong, and I don't have an owners manual to reference that info. All I know is every mechanic I've been to has suggested making modifications to keep that operating temp. as low as possible.

Metal Wulf

210-220 isn't bad, you don't need worry unless it's getting 240+

jerryp58

Welcome :seeya

There are A LOT of threads on C3 cooling; you might want to Search the Archives.

210-200 isn't horrible, but...

You want to make sure that your radiator shroud and the foam insulation around the top & sides of the radiator are intact & in good condition.

A flush & fill may not be a bad idea (with a change of hoses and thermostat if they haven't been done in a while).

Check the thermostat and see what it's rated. If it's a 195, then it won't be fully open until maybe 10 degrees beyond that. I think the L82 is supposed to have the 180 in it; the L48 is supposed to have 195 (someone can confirm or refute this hopefully).

Sounds like you checked the front of the radiator for debris.

If the problem is at speed, make sure you have the "chin" spoiler on the front of the car; it's designed to force air up through the radiator at speed.

I've probably forgotten some of the points (good reason to check the archives), but If the cooling system checks out OK and you still have a problem, there's always the possibility that you're running rich or the timing is advanced too much.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

joeveto

Great stuff from JerryP.

Here's one more idea. And I'd try this first, since it's free.

Bleed the system of air. Put the front end up in the air, as high as you can get it. You want the radiator cap to be higher than the rest of the cooling system. Then, start the car and rev it to 2000 RPM or so. Hold it there for a minute and let it settle down. Let it idle for a few minutes. Then rev it to 2000 RPM again. Keep doing this for one or two cycles. This will purge any air from the system.

I had cooling problems until I did this.

Another great thing, is if you install a heater shutoff valve with a bleeder screw. Check out my website. The bleeder screw makes bleeding air out of the system as easy as twisting the cap.

Good luck.

I also highly recommend replacing the radiator hood seals. Makes a huge difference. :yesnod:

:cheers:

Dalannex

:iagree: :iagree: Look at the temp your daily drivers run, they run that or better all the time.


-Justin

MIKER

Find out if your temperature sending unit/gauge combo is providing accurate information.

You can temporarily install a mechanical sending unit/gauge package or use an infra-red thermometer to shoot the thermostat housing for temperature indication.

Whatever it turns out to be, good luck finding the problem. :cheers:

RLaFarge

My 79 was giving me this problem up until yesterday. I have an aluminium radiator and it normally runs bettween 150 to 180. I had some work done on the car and when I got it back, it was running hotter than normal. Up to about 230. I replaced the thermostat and it didnt help. I noticed the top radiator hose was really tight when the motor was running the the car was at temp. I pulled the new thermostat and it wasn't opening all the way. I installed the waterneck back without to the thermostat to check it and it is running fine now. But I looked at the thermostat I got from NAPA and it was 196 degree. I thought it needed to be around 160 or so. If I am wrong on that someone correct me.
The aluminum radiator is the way to go, they are expensive but worth it. Mine is a griffin(I think) and they are not that bad expensive. Mine was installed in the car when I bought it. I helped a friend install one of the becool systems in his vette and it made a major difference, but it was major $$$ for the radiator and the fans.
I started a thread on my car over heating yesterday and someone post a cool website about trouble shooting the cooling system. I will see if I can find the link.
EDIT
Matt Gruber posted this link to my thread and I found it very useful!

some tips i can pass along http://community.webtv.net/MATTGRU/doc
_______
Thank for the help Matt you were a lifesaver!
:D :D :D :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:


[Modified by RLaFarge, 9:03 AM 9/18/2003]

OHSIXX

I use to run 210 on the nose. Changed to a high flow water pump and new thermostat and now run 180. :)

Smokehouse69

I don't know about 79's but my 69's owner's manual says that 210 is normal operating temperature and only worry if the car exceeds 230 for an extended period of time.