Howdy, I had a question to ask and was wondering if anyone has the same problems as I do.

I have a 1989 TPI IrocZ that likes to run a little warm.
Let me explain further. I have replaced the thermastat, water pump, radiator, rad hoses, and rad cap to no avail. I didnt mind replacing any of this, as the water pump's bearing's where starting to whine. However it did not solve the problem I am having with the car reaching about 220 or more almost every time its drivin for more than about 15-20 minutes. The temperature slowly increases from room temp to about 220 and then climbs just above 220 and then finds its way back down to the mark again.

Mabey thats just normal, but I have heard from several buddy's of mine (senior mechanics of 20+ years) that LT1's are supposed to run around 190 degree's or so. 220+ seemed a little hot, even to me. and when it starts climbing above 220 I start to get worried because I am a bit emotionally attached to the car as it was a freind's dads' that passed away due to heart attack one day.

Anyone that can shed some light on the situation?

Thanks a Bunch

Josh

 

First let me say welcome to thirdgen.com. Well unfortunately this is common for are cars. You can put a colder thermostat in but the fans won't come on till around 210 degrees anyway. There are two ways on these cars that I know of to change this. One is to put an aftermarket chip in it that will turn the fans on sooner. Or you can splice into the power wires on the fan and run it to a hot wire that is only hot when the Key is in the on position. Then it will run at the temp the thermostat is set at. Also a couple of important things to look into for effiecency of the cooling system. One is that alot of times debris gets in front of the A/C cooler that is in front of the radiator and also between the radiator and the A/C cooler. Second is the front plastic spoiler underneath the car. If you look under the front of the car you should see a black plastic piece sticking down. If not then you should try to find one because that is very critical to the radiator getting air to it. I hope this helps and if you have any further questions about your Iroc just ask and i'm sure everyone here and myself will try to help you out.

 

Even the LT1 in my 1996 Z28 ran pretty hot, despite the revisions that were supposedly put in place with the cooling system by then. The 305 in my Firebird likes to get pretty hot, even with the fan on. I guess its just something we get to deal with. Good? Probably not. Normal? Definitely.

 

Alrighty, I appreciate the response.
When I swapped the radiator, I used a shop vac to clean the debris out from the radiator support below and I just quickly ran it over the fins, not touching of course, of the AC condensor. I havn't, however, checked in front of the condensor for and garbage that may have accumulated over the years. It would make since however, that if it were to collect any debris, the front would be the optimal spot for accumulation.

I dont nessisarily want to modify the computer chip, for fear of breaking something. But the hot lead sounds like a final resort if it bug's me to that point.

Thanks again

Josh

 

Your welcome, and if you want to change chips hypertech's thermomaster chip is a good place to start and I would gladly give you the procedure if you want. It is relatively simple and easy. Just make sure you disconnect the battery before doing it to avoid any damage to the computer or chip. And always keep the old chip just in case.

 

Well I would certainly look it over, I'll PM you.

 

Running a tad hot is normal for this gen engine. I was told that it is to prevent condensation in the crankcase, especialy in colder climates. Also, many GM cars don't turn on electric fans until 225, then turn them off around 210. The best way to verify your temp is with a thermostat in the radiator and compare it your temp gauge. Idle the car until hot and then raise the rpm to 2000 for 5-10 mins and compare the thermo to the gauge. I'ld expect you to see that the gauge is off by up 20*, thats what I typicaly see at work.