LT1 cooling issues, looking for advice!
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From: Hubert, NC
Car: 83 Z28
Engine: F-body LT1 swap
Transmission: T-56 swap
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/ 28 spl posi, 4.10, disks
LT1 cooling issues, looking for advice!
I have been trying to figure out my cooling issue since I got the car running.
BACKGROUND:
I am running a Autozone 160* stat, factory 83 CFI radiator, LT1 cooling fans and shroud, adjustable fan controller with probe in pass side near outlet, and factory 96 LT1 water pump.
I have it adjusted so the fans are supposed to come on about 190* to 200* and shut off about 170*.
It has all of the shrouds, airdams, deflectors installed and in decent shape.
I did put some aluminum Bar's leak in it because the rad was leaking in the center. The coolant looks like it has glitter in it now, the coolant is all new, mixed 50/50.
WHAT IT IS DOING:
When idling, the system operates fine. Fans come on below the 220* mark, then it cools off to the first line and they shut off.
When driving 45mph and above, it is always at the lowest line. If it is cool out, it is below the line. Never fluctuates.
When I come to a stop after any extended time of driving (5 or 6 miles) The temp guage rises to above 220 before the fans kick on. Then it takes several minutes to cool things off.
If I start driving again, the radiator cools off, then fans shut off before the car cools down and the temp will rise above 220 again when cruising and the fans wont enguage while driving at lower speeds (below 35mph) even if it is 220. When I stop, same thing, fans will then kick on and the process starts again.
I am thinking it the zone stat is hanging closed or something allowing the rad to cool (fans wont run), but not the motor.
If I swap it out with a Stant, I can only get a 180* stat. The PCM was tuned for a 160* stat, will it cause issues if I use the PCM to control them. (see below statement)
I am not using the PCM to control the fans because when I had it programmed, I am pretty sure they made the on/off temps too low so the fans are going to run all the time. Should I do it anyways just to be safe?
BACKGROUND:
I am running a Autozone 160* stat, factory 83 CFI radiator, LT1 cooling fans and shroud, adjustable fan controller with probe in pass side near outlet, and factory 96 LT1 water pump.
I have it adjusted so the fans are supposed to come on about 190* to 200* and shut off about 170*.
It has all of the shrouds, airdams, deflectors installed and in decent shape.
I did put some aluminum Bar's leak in it because the rad was leaking in the center. The coolant looks like it has glitter in it now, the coolant is all new, mixed 50/50.
WHAT IT IS DOING:
When idling, the system operates fine. Fans come on below the 220* mark, then it cools off to the first line and they shut off.
When driving 45mph and above, it is always at the lowest line. If it is cool out, it is below the line. Never fluctuates.
When I come to a stop after any extended time of driving (5 or 6 miles) The temp guage rises to above 220 before the fans kick on. Then it takes several minutes to cool things off.
If I start driving again, the radiator cools off, then fans shut off before the car cools down and the temp will rise above 220 again when cruising and the fans wont enguage while driving at lower speeds (below 35mph) even if it is 220. When I stop, same thing, fans will then kick on and the process starts again.
I am thinking it the zone stat is hanging closed or something allowing the rad to cool (fans wont run), but not the motor.
If I swap it out with a Stant, I can only get a 180* stat. The PCM was tuned for a 160* stat, will it cause issues if I use the PCM to control them. (see below statement)
I am not using the PCM to control the fans because when I had it programmed, I am pretty sure they made the on/off temps too low so the fans are going to run all the time. Should I do it anyways just to be safe?
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