Hey guys.

I've been having some cooling issues as of late with my '85 trans am. (carbeurated, LG4)...

I was on a 4 hr drive today, and the engine temp varied from 190 all the way up to about 230. In the past, the car has never broke 180.

Note: I bypassed my heater core before this trip, due to the fact it was leaking. I plan to replace it ASAP, but it was 95 the past few days, and it's a pain in the ***, so i haven't done it yet.

Question 1: Is this increase in heat have anything to do with my bypassed heater core? (I thought that perhaps the heater core could have a cooling effect on engine temp by virtue of the fact it was using hot coolant from the engine and returning cooler coolant?)

Question 2: Is it worth the time and the money for me to convert my single mechanical fan over to a dual-fan system as outlined in https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/cool.shtml ? This seams like an option to consider to me as the car is my daily driver, and 8 months out of the year i'm driving it in sunny hot humid Florida.

Note: I'm trying not to put that much money into the car, but i'm willing to put money into it if it means more engine life (the engine already has 80,000+) and an increase in horsepower just as a beside-the-point benefit (getting rid of that mechanical fan) then it's worth it.

Question 3: If it's worth it to go to the dual fan "total fan control" style system, how might i accomplish this with a carbeurated engine? I noticed that in the tech article (linked above) it is written for TPI cars.


Thanks guys,

 

... anyone???

 

yes, the heater core can help keep engine temps down to an extent say if u set it to ''vent'' and blast the heat, yeah, it helped me get home a few times.

as far as the fan goes, befor u play with changin to an electric fan, does your fan have a shroud? and if so, does it have an air dam?

IMO, besides the horepower issues, i would rather stick to a mechanical fan for the simple fact that its allways doing its job. i just spent the last two weaks diagnosing a cooling problem with the '86, it wasint cool (literally)

i didnt read the link but i think i saw it before. if by total control u mean u flip the switches manually, thats not so bad to set up. if u mean when the fan is turned on by a temp switch, i think that will have to be a provision made for a temp sensor if there isnt one. in any case, the most difficult thing i think u'll have to do iw the wire plumbing. parts would also be a pain.

good luck