Hello, I am new to the whole Z28 life. In fact I am switching over from a Ford to a gorgeous 96 z28 with 62k on it. Pretty excited considering I have been searching for a decent mi. and clean one. Picking it up today and was told that while it runs fairly close to the red on the temp gauge that it never actually over heats. I was just curious if there was anything I should worry about or check out on the car before my purchase is complete? apparently the owner took it to the shop to have it looked @ before I stop by today to get the car. I have read several different reason as to why this happens and was told it is sometimes normal?!

 

The LT1s do run warm from the factory. Do you know what temps it is running at? Are the fans doing their job and kicking on?

 

Well I didn't see it on the test drive. The owner called me to inform me of it this morning. Not sure on exact temps but his words were "just under the red, but car still runs fine"

 

IF they did a coolent change on it they may not have done the proper bleed procedure and there may be bubbles in the system.

 

So this is something that all of the sudden just happened?

 

dont buy it

 

They did just do a coolant change from what he told me. As far as it just happening yeah seems it happened in the time between my initial test drive and yesterday. Which is 5 days or so. The coolant change from what he told me falls into that range.

 

Ok you're probably ok but need to make sure that it gets bled asap properly. DO a search for coolant bleed procedure and you should find a link to shoebox's site with the steps on how to do it.

THere are basically 2 bleed screws on your upper collant hoses. When the engine is warm- just open them untill the air is out and the coolant spills. Repeat maybe 2 times and you should be fine. Then before you start the engine in the morning check to make sure the coolant in the radiator is full. Top up if neccessary. If its full in the morning it should be fine. Keep an eye on your coolant resevoir too for the day or so after a change.

 

I appreciate the help guys!

 

Mine rarely sees 200. It might go a bit above 210 on the highway doing 80-90 for a long period of time. Of course mine has the 160 thermostat.

FYI the temp gauge goes from 160 to 260 and the red starts around 240ish

 

i have never seen mine go pass the half way up the gauge normally mine runs just over 160

 

Personally, I would be nervous on the deal. It would be a shame to buy the car and only think there is something minor wrong with it such as an air pocket only for it to turn out to be something more involved. It could be something as simple as some trapped air, but there are always those "what ifs" when buying a used car.

 

Could be a head gasket too....

 

Yeah I told him I am backing out completely until the problem is fixed 100%. He understood and said he wouldn't want to sell me a problem anyway. Gave me the whole speech on how it was his baby and so on. Hopefully it gets solved soon and I can finish off the deal.

 

Thats a smart move, in the meantime, keep searching. There are plenty of f-bodies out there with for sale signs.