All,

I've got my Volvo project car now running with my LT1 engine. You can see picts here:
Simon's Volvo

I have set up a calibrated VDO gauge to run off of the Chevy water sending unit. I've also done a sending unit swap, so that my sending unit is in the waterpump. (like the Corvette) This shows the outlet temperature of the engine. (the hottest water)

The PCM was supposed to be reprogrammed (PCMforless.com) for the 160 stat and have fans on at 187.

My problem is that the temperature gauge gets to ~220 before the fans come on. Then the temperature runs to 240 or 250 pretty easily. Is this too hot for the outlet temperature? I notice that most people have temperature readings of 185 or so with the 160 stat, but this would be in the head, where the temperature would be the coolest.

Thanks for your help!
-simon
simon_dodd@hp.com

 

looks like your having the same issues Im having. The "its not in a camaro I dont wanna reply " syndrome with the lookers and no reliers! My Blazer LT-1 project has been running 220 also. My temp sender is a Nordskog unit with all digital Norsdkog gauges. I have the stock 4.3L radiator and a 16" electric fan. Pcm4less did my computer programming also and my fan kicks on right after start up, like 2 seconds later. I replaced my ECT and still have the same issues.
Are you using the factory ECT? if so that might be part of that issue. I tried to hook up my gauge to the factory ect sender and the computer went nuts! All rich and ruff so if you have it there take it off. Your telling the computer the wrong thing so it might think its colder than what it is and not fire up the fans till later. I just put my Nordskog sender in the stock location in the pass side head.

If you could take a look at my threads and maybe you can help me. Us swap guys gotta stick together cuz we have problems other people wont! you know what I mean. if you want hit me up on AIM or AOL at blazzerr43 so we can talk

 

wow, the lt1 actually fits in there. too bad it doesn't really fit in the f-cars

 

I know the 'vette' LT1 WP doesn't have the 'bypass' hose connection... [good for a swap such as yours..]
Does it have 2 'holes' for temp sensors[ I don't recall that?]
You DO have the ECM temp sensor in the WP housing right?
[I am thrown by you saying the temp gage sensor is in the housing.. I can't recall 2 'holes' in the vette housing tho...]
Nice swap job BTW!


Also can't you try the gage sensor in the head where it normally goes to see what temp it reads there[ I see your point about WP outlet temp may be higher... 30 40 degrees is doubtful tho..

 

All,

Thank you much for all of the thoughts!!!

After scratching my head for a day I decided to hook up my laptop to see what free scan said. Turns out my "calibrated" water temp gauge is ~50 degrees off. My engine actually runs at 170-180 most of the time.

Time for a different gauge!

-simon

 

I wish I had that problem, mines hot no matter what if its running