Base91

iTrader: (1)

My temp gauge always sits at what looks like 160F so I assumed I had a 160F thermostat which may have explained the rich running. I bought a 195F thermostat and discovered the one in the car was already a 195. The gauge still sits at what looks like 160, plus data logging shows the temp about 165. Is my cooling system just super efficient? Do I need to partially block off my radiator? I haven't tested the thermostats or measured the coolant temp but the old and the new behave the same and the coolant temp sensor is recent. Appreciate any input.

Cosmik Debris

Do the fan(s) come on?

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Single fan comes on at about 220 on the gauge.

travis401

iTrader: (1)

you need to 1) verify the temp on the gauge is even correct. and 2) check to see if your tstat isnt sticking open or otherwised bypassed in some manner. does the upper hose get hot/hard at all?

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Hose is pressurized etc. Everything looks normal. I thought maybe the gauge was off but it seems to agree with the data logging values. I'll get one of those infrared thermometers and verify the temps. I don't think the tstat sticks. The engine warms up in just 2-3 mins.When the car is stopped even a very gentle breeze will stop the temp getting anywhere near the fan cut on temp. A magic radiator?

travis401

iTrader: (1)

is it the stock rad and fan(s)? and does it get to a normal operating temp of about 180-190 just sitting and idling?

Base91

iTrader: (1)

Stock as far as I know. It's a 3.1 with single fan. It'll get up to 200+ and the fan will come on if the car sits with the hood closed and there is no breeze hitting the nose. Almost any breeze or the car moving and the temp sits at 160 on the gauge and data log.

travis401

iTrader: (1)

sounds like everything is operating as it should, you're radiator is just working REALLY efficiently. i wouldnt suggest blocking part of the radiator as it could cause overheating while just sitting in traffic.

ROADHAMMER86

Hi Everybody new to the forum have my 2nd third gen and loving it i have a 1986 Iroc-z 305 carbed with a 5-speed the problem i have is the electric fan stays on 100% of the time and the tmp hovers around 115 deg. cant get it to go up any higher than this i also cant find any relays to check or what have you. i am normally a Ford guy this is my second Chevy i dont have very much experince with carbs either and dont know if im harming the car by driving it and not letting it get up to temp. any help would be greatly appreciated

FireDemonSiC

What is the temperature out in CA right now? Over here the weather in the 30's lately and with a 180 stat my gauge stays around about 160ish.

Stock cooling system except for said thermostat and aluminum waterpump.

Base91

iTrader: (1)

It's been 60 during the day but even on high 90 degree days it's pretty much pegged at 160 on the gauge if the car is moving.

FireDemonSiC

That is odd. With a 3.1 I could see you possibly running those temps but still I wouldn't think the stock cooling system would be capable of that especially with a stock thermostat.