94TA Cooling System

[MS94TA]

The cooling system was flushed last summer when a new water pump was installed. The problem is, it's running hot. Climbing hills on a trip yesterday, I had to take it easy in order that the temperature not run above about the 225 degree mark.

RangerBob mentioned a 160 degree thermostat option. What exactly does this thermostat do? Do colder thermostats simply just open sooner? Or are colder thermostats less restrictive when open, thereby allowing for coolant to flow through the system more efficiently?

Thanks,

Martin
Utah
Stock 94 TA

[SteveH95Formula]

The 160 degree thermostat will open sooner than the stock one. It would be great for highway use. try to purge the system. There are two bleeder screws near the TS housing and water pump. Also may sure there is no junk or paper cloging up your radiator and condensor.

[4THGEN Z]

LT1's can be fussy when it comes to bleeding all the air out....this is the first thing to check. It should not overheat, especially if your motor is stock. I would get that sorted out before just swapping t-stats. Was the t-stat changed when they did the water pump?? A new one came with my water pump from the dealer.....

[MS94TA]

T-stat

Thanks, unfortunately, I don't know if the T-stat was replaced when the water pump was changed. I agree with you about the stock system being sufficient (or should be)... I'll try to purge the system and go from there.

Thanks,
Martin

[KnightFire]

Just as an FYI you will need to get your PCM reprogrammed to engauge the fans sooner to see the full benefit of a 160 stat.




KnightFire

[MS94TA]

PCM

Cool. How do I go about reprogramming the PCM? Sorry, I'm a big rookie. What does PCM stand for?

Martin

[Joe 1320]

Re: PCM

Originally posted by MS94TA
Cool. How do I go about reprogramming the PCM? Sorry, I'm a big rookie. What does PCM stand for?

Martin

Hypertech makes a power programmer that allows you to reprogram several funtions like fan turn on and turn off temperatures, correct for gear swaps, tire heights, redline, shift points for automatics, etc.... PCM stands for powertrain control module. In short, it's your computer. A new power programmer runs about $350 and from time to time used pop up for about half that.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

225º is not hot. The factory fans don't come on until 226º. Make sure the air dam is still on the car.

[AndyLT1]

I've got a Hypertech Power Programmer Plus for a '94 LT1. E-mail me at LT14MULA@hotmail.com if you're interested.

Andy

[MS94TA]

Rob,

Thanks for the data on the fans kicking in at 225. I was beginning to freak out last night when they didn't kick in over 210...

Someone mentioned it can be tricky purging the coolings sytem. Does anyone have any pointers? I may attempt flushing the system this weekend.

Martin
Utah

[magnethead794]

do what we did

on the camaro, we did some changes to fix this:

upgraded from stock to 4 core radiator

disconnected thermostat, fan is on whenever ignition is on.

[MS94TA]

Thanks for everyone's help! I bled the cooling system last night and that has really helped. Indicated coolant temperature has dropped (during normal town driving) from the 210 range to around 185-190. Much better! Especially since we've seen temperatures over 100 degrees here in Utah for over something like 9 days.

Thanks again,

Martin
Utah
94TA

[Injuneer]

Re: do what we did

Originally posted by magnethead794
on the camaro, we did some changes to fix this:

upgraded from stock to 4 core radiator

disconnected thermostat, fan is on whenever ignition is on.

Just curious... how did you "disconnect thermostat"..... do you mean you removed it from the housing?