1997 Chevy Corvette Correct engine temperature

HILARIO3

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

1997 CORVETTE 70k miles. Recently I had bad coolant leak that I traced to the water pump. I had the water pump, thermostat changed. Now my car doesn't seem to be overheating HOWEVER it is running hot. Running at 220 maybe 235. I really don't know if it's running any hotter since I turn off my car once the needle reaches 220. I've also checked for debris, bugs etc on the radiator and found nothing. No coolant leaks either. Can a 1997 Corvette run hotter than 220? Or is there something else I can do to lower the temp? Thank You!

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

Your engine should not run hotter than 220 unless your dogging it.

When you replaced the pump and thermostat, did you bleed the system of air? If not, then there's your bug in the system.

Your thermostat housing should have a bleed screw on the very top. Just crack the screw and let the engine run until no air comes out. You might want to squeeze the upper radiator hose a few times.

If yours doesn't have a bleed screw, take off the cap to the surge tank and run your engine until the thermostat opens. (Fans come on) rev the motor to at least 1,500 r.P.M.S while squeezing the upper radiator hose a few times.

If this doesn't cure your problem, check for a loose belt, debris in the system, and if nothing helps, start looking for a blown head gasket.