I need some help. I have a 96 z28 and its been running HOT! Whenever I drive through the city the car damn near overheats but as soon as I can get some air flowing through, it cools off and maintains a good temperature. I checked the coolant and it has plenty. Any suggestions?

 

What do you consider "HOT"? Give number from the coolant temp gauge - in city traffic, and on the freeway. Low speeds fans should come on at 226*F, high speed at 235*F.

Stock or modified engine?

What coolant/mix are you running?

When was the last time the cooling system was flushed?

Have you verified that the cap is holding 18psi?

When filling, did you follow the correct procedure for purging air from the system?

Does it have the correct "LT1" thermostat, and not one for a Gen 1 SBC?

Are both your fans operating when required?

Are you checking the coolant level in the radiator, as well as in the reservoir?

 

If you switch on either defrost or air conditioning, does the radiator cooling fan come on?

 

well the 96's use a 3 relay system for the fans you may not be getting the high speed function and or a fan motor not putting out full voltage.

but we need more info like , are both fans working on the low speed function?,
do both fans goto high speed function when coolant temp reaches 235deg.?
are you running the stock thermostat?
is your car modded in any way?
is the lower air dam under the front of the car mounted firmly . is it even there.,
these's cars seem to like to pick up every lil thing like dry grass and other items get stuck to the front of the rad since these cars are bottom suckers

 

As far as temperature goes, it has reached as far as 260 degrees. I can start my car and once the motor gets warm I can literally set and watch the gauge reach 260 within mins. I use Prestone Dex Cool antifreeze. Only mods I have is exhaust and cold air intake. Has stock thermostat. Now that you mention it, I don't think I have ever heard the fans kick on except when I'm running A/C and when I have it on the car doesnt over heat. So, it very well could be my fans not working properly

 

Verify that the fans are/arent working. If they only come on with the a/c on, I would check the coolant temp sensor.

 

I'll take a better look at it tomorrow when I can and get back with you guys. Thanks for the suggestions

 

Fans are input devices NOT output devices


If the fans come on with AC, then they are functioning. The problem IF your gage is correct, would be the control side.


Ding ding ding ding we have a winner.

However, there could be a problem with the coolant temp sensor theory. Have it scanned real time to see what temp it shows.

 

I want to be just like Speedy when I grow up.

 

Fans? Who needs fans. I installed a 160 thermostat and it never gets over 185. The fans never run unless I turn on the a/c.