I just upgraded from a 1994 3.4 v-6 camaro to a 1994 Z-28 with an automatic transmission. I'm having trouble with the low coolent light. I don't know if the car is over heating or not. When Idling what temperature do your cars usually run at. My oil pressure drops to about 15 PSI when not moving. Is this normal? The car idles at about 500 RPM. Normal? I get conflicting advice about which fuel to use. 89 91 0r 93. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

Super for gas 93.15psi for oil press at idle is normal.185 is around normal operating temp.Can go higher on hot days in traffic or in stop and go.Put in a 160 stat with a manual fan switch and you will never go over 185.If you do turn on the fans.Welcome to the v8 world.also make sure you have enough coolant in there.Just to be safe I would flush the system and put in a160 stat.

 

The low coolant sensor is a common part to fail. It is located on the top right hand side of the radiator. It is cheap and easy to replace. The oil pressure does drop at idle once the engine heats up.

 

Also try cracking the coolant bleed valves, located on the passenger side of the TB between the TB and the radiator. Make sure there is no air in the system.

 

Driving I'd say 185 to 190 is about the normal operating temp but on hot summer days it'll shoot up past the 210 mark in my car 220 for camaro's if you're idleing then the fans will kick on and knock that temp back down. 15psi seems a bit low but not real low. 18-22 seems to be more normal. Bearings could be getting slightly worn...how many miles are on it? 500rpm is a low idle. Should be 750-800 if you're parked. About 1000 or so when slowing down for a stop light.

 

he has an A4, his idle is correct. temp will get up too 220 on hot days, sittin in traffic. oil psi seems a tad low, but could be the guage itself, but it might not be. and the coolant light, assuming your radiator is full, could be the sensor, i know mine is on the fritz as well.

 

500rpm idle is correct? I've own a couple auto F bodies...couple friends own them today and none of them idle that low...more like 700 or 800...are you sure 500 is right?

 

550rpm is the target in drive when the engine is hot, according to tunercat.

 

Wow...I stand corrected...that just seems hella low...go figure...

 

"Also try cracking the coolant bleed valves, located on the passenger side of the TB between the TB and the radiator. Make sure there is no air in the system."

Should you do this with the car cold or warm? Woulnt fluid spray out if you do it when its warm?

 

Best to do while car is running and fluid is flowing. You don't want to open the screw all the way, just enough to let the air seep out. As soon as coolant starts coming out, close the screw. Make sure you have a rag on hand.

 

My 93 idles at about 550 in gear and @ a complete stop. I have a 160* stat and it's never over 180. My oil pressure warmed in gear and stopped is about 18-20.

 

Man, you guys kick ***. I'm part of another f body ring and you guys are much more helpful. The Idle is actually a little above the 500 rpm mark. And when these things occured is was at night when I was sitting in traffic. The sensor was broken I found out. I Just threw in some 5W50 synthetic. I had heard the using 93 could cause the engine to run hotter but If you guys use it I will too. The car has 64,000 miles on it