COOLING SYSTEM OPERATION TEMP

[Lee T.]

What is the normal cooling system operating temperature of a base 1995 Coupe, LT1?
I recently purchased one, and find that it runs at 225F to 230F degrees. This seems high to me. I'm told that the radiator fans are programed to come on at around 230F degrees. Is this true?

[Duke W.]

Re: COOLING SYSTEM OPERATION TEMP

That's about right. On most modern cars with electric the fan(s) they don't engage at full speed until 220-230, so these temps are often achieved in hot weather low speed driving and are considered normal.

It might operate a little cooler under these conditions when the A/C is on because the fan(s) usually engage (at maybe lower speed) based on A/C system load, which is determined by a switch on the high pressure side.

Duke

[Joe C.]

Re: COOLING SYSTEM OPERATION TEMP

Lee,

Perfectly normal. Modern cooling systems are over-designed with enormous heat transfer capacities, as compared to C1/C2/early C3.
The designs are all similar, since 1982, with the advent of the Cross-Fire Injection system, and electric cooling fan(s). Similar systems are used with L98/LT1/LT4/LT5/LS1/LS2/LS6/LS7. These systems also run a 192* thermostat, which sets the "lower limit" coolant temp. (conditions permitting).
As an example: my 1985 with Z51 uses a heavy duty cooling system. The radiator is equipped with both "pusher" and "puller" fans. With A/C off, both fans are normally off, and engine temp will rise to 227* (weather conditions permitting). Once 227* is reached, the main fan comes on, and temp drops to about 206* very rapidly. Fan then cycles off, and cycle repeats. When underway, even in extreme heat, temp never rises above, about 197*, with fans off. With A/C compressor engaged, aux fan runs continually, and temp stabilizes at about 206*, in extreme heat.

Joe

[Jim T.]

Re: COOLING SYSTEM OPERATION TEMP

Lee, Joe makes a good point about using the air conditioner turns on the fan or fans early. Driving down I-40 not using the air conditioner in my 96 LT4 the temp was just fine. Due to road constuction, traffic came to a stop on the interstate and I noticed my engine temp increasing. Still stopped on the interstate I turned on the air conditioner and could see the engine temp go down.