9C1 1995 Chevy Caprice - Over Heating Problem

IESUCK

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET TRUCK

Hi, I have a 9C1(police) 1995 Chevy Caprice with the LT1 engine and 80k miles. I had a radiator flush from a chain auto repair store, then 2 days later, my car start getting HOT when idle over 20 minutes.
Since the car is 10 years old, I went ahead and changed the Cat Converter, thermostat, water pump, and radiator. It took me 2 days, but I did it.
Now its doesnt get as HOT, but still its above its normal temperature and getting close to HOT. Then I found out that the electric radiator fan doesnt kick on when it gets hot. BUT the electric radiator fan will kick on if I turn the heater on. So, I know the electric radiator fan works. If I keep my heater on so the electric radiator fan can kick on, then the engine cools back down to its correct temperature.
I am guessing some relay or some heat sensor isnt working. Please help me out.

1 Reply

CARDUDE28

MEMBER
13 POSTS

Sounds like you are low on coolant still, or there's an air pocket in the system. The fan could be the same problem or not even related, but it does have it's own sensor. It gets it's signal from the coolant temp sensor CTS which should be mounted on or near the thermostat housing. If you have access to a scanner, run the car with it hooked up and see what temp the sensor is showing. The fan should kick on at around 215 degrees and shut off at around 195. I'd probably replace the sensor, plus the thermostat and gasket and make sure it's full of coolant. Also, replace the radiator cap just to make sure. After it's run at operating temp, then cooled off, pop the rad cap and recheck the coolant level. Top it off, put the cap back on and you should be good to go.