Hello, I am new to this site, I have been looking around here for days trying to get some info,without posting a question. I have learned alot already. I am not new to camaro hobby,Ive had numerous first gens over the last 25 years, but am new to 3rd gen.I have 2 69 zs now, and just bought a 87 Z 305 4 barrel for my son to work on.It has its problems, but is worth saving.

One problem is the electric cooling fan comes on with AC but isnt coming on by itself. It is a single fan.BTW I have read all the sticky posts and my problem really isnt answered there. First off temp gauge is pegged at the top at all times. This seems like a common problem in these cars according to what I have read here.What I get from posts is that has nothing to do with the cooling fans opeation,correct?

It seems from what I read it is most likely the fan switch on the pass side engine.Emmissions are not an issue any more in Missouri for an 87. I think you have to have the equipment on your car, but it doesnt get sniffed. So can I get the 200-185 switch from madvet and have no other big issues?I like the idea of cooler operating temps. This isnt going to be an everyday driver, a super hot heater not a big deal.I just want it to run good. I dont know what the ECM controls and what it doesnt.

Also I removed the wires from the sensors on the themostat housing and the water pump /heater hose nipple. I jumpes across both of them. The one on the water pump has a green and black wire. When I jumpered them a little blower mounted in the right front fender started to blow. What is that for? When I jumpered the one on the thermostat housing it did nothing. It has a black and yellow wire.

I copied the tech tip for the single fan setup for the 86 T/A 5.0 TPI but I cant find a relay with those colors.Is there a manual I can buy that will spell out what all these relays are for,what they are?Basically a really good repair manual that isnt so generic that it doenst help.

This seems like an awesome site, with tons of members. I belong to a couple of first gen sites,and they seem alot smaller in numbers.

Ill say this also, you guys that work on these cars know alot of sh*t. A 69 is alot more friendly to work on.I quit paying attention after the original small block was changed,I have a lot to learn,I should have kept up. Thanks for any help. Chris

 

I noticed my gas mpg went down from 18 to 14 mpg, when using a 200/185 fan switch with a 180 thermostat, though engine was cool (need fairly hot air mixing with gas for best mpg). I finally had time today and put in a Wells SW505 213-229F fan switch with a new 195 Robert Shaw thermostat and car is now running hotter but in safe cooler, temp zone. you can get the Wells SW505 213-229F at autozone for $8.99.

 

Hey Chris,
I found the Robert Shaw 195F thermostat to be too cool for wintertime (comes with 3 holes drilled in it). It is taking my car ~10 minutes to warm up so will go back to a Summit or similar 195F thermostat.

But the 9 dollar fan switch is Perfect! Drove the car last 2 days and once car warmed up, the fan now comes on somewhere well below 260, turns on for a cople minutes, and shuts off somewhere above 200.