Hi,

I have 1997 Camaro z28.

the water temperature is not stable. sometimes it goes down to 210F when it is 220-230F. Today it became 240F when parking 20-25 miles.
ıs it normal?

 

The engine/cooling system is designed to operate with the needle in the middle of the gauge = about 210°F. If the temperature reaches 226°F both fans should turn on at low speed. If the temperature reaches 235°F both fans should switch to high speed

Failure to operate as above can be due to common causes like:

- air trapped in the cooling system

- crudded up/corroded internals in the cooling system

- failure of a fan

- faulty coolant temperature sensor - the one in the water pump housing that feeds temperature reading to the PCM

- radiator fins clogged with dirt, debris, or front of radiator blocked by plastic bag.

- failure of pressure cap to maintain system pressure (18 PSI)

- low coolant

- collapsing water pump suction hose

- missing air dam under front bumper, if overheating occurs at high speeds.

The gauge is fed from a different temperature sensor in the driver side head. A problem with that sensor/circuit can cause an incorrect gauge reading.

Have you checked coolant level? Have you bled air from system? When was the cooling system last flushed and new coolant installed?

 

Thank you very much