I just recently purchased my first camaro a 1988 sport coupe with a 305 tbi L03. I realized right away that after letting the car idle for 5 minutes the temp was going up and up. I popped the hood took a peak and saw the fan would not kick on. I let it run and as soon as it reached 265 degrees it kicked on and went back down to 190.I replaced all of the sensors and put a new 160 degree thermos stat. And it still would not work I just blew $100 on nothing. Later I took it to a mechanic and he said it was this thing cooling fan switch. He put anew one in and it still did not work. Then he said your gage has to be wrong because there is no way it is at ehis temperature becauses he could touch the hoses. should i believe him or not. I really want som help someone please reply!

 

just seein if it works

 

Single fan setups (TBI & LG4 cars I believe) are not ECM controlled like TPI (dual fans). In the pass side head between 6 & 8 exhaust ports is a fan switch. If the gauge sensor has been replaced it probably is reading somewhat high (as I've experienced with 3 diff aftermarket brand sensors).

The switch grounds the relay at a chilly 238º (I assume it ungrounds when it reaches around 208º). JET makes a fan switch to replace the OEM on that kick on at 200º and off at 176º for about $40.

If that's just way to rich for you you could just wire in a toggle switch or just ground the relay so it always runs (neither methods I personally care for but, that's just my opinion).

You can do a search for fans & there are many many posts about this subject. Some having pictures & other links to where you can find wiring diagrams.

 

These cars are made to run a little warm to "reduce emissions". You're guage might not be reading correctly either...

 

I had a somewhat similar problem w/my car. The temp gauge would get all the way up to 250 and nothing would happen w/the fans. I ended up installing my own fans and replacing the radiator b/c there was a bunch of crap in/around it, and that helped some(it now took longer to get up to only 230). Then my speedo broke, so I went for some aftermarket gauges, and that must have been the problem because now it rarely reads over 200.

 

Db is correct. Your fan setup is not controlled by the ECM. The fan relay switch is the primary control. Normally the fan switch will kick in just about where you are. On TPI engines the ECM turns on fans sooner because of increased engine heat with fuel injection. NAPA much to my surprise actually has TWO fan switches for our TG's. They have a stock 235, and one that turns on at about 215. As opposed to the JET, it is only 19 bucks.