1987 Chevy Corvette engine very hot, temp guage shows 179,

1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
127,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LUCKY LEE
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I had driven 30 miles on Interstate and just gotten off when the engine started losing power I pulled to side of road and checked guages. Temperature 179 normal range for this car, oil pressure normal.

I opened hood and everything was HOT to the touch. Even metal not touching motor, like hood brackets, sidewalls. Motor was so HOT that it could not be touched, as were all things mounted to it, alternator, A/C motor. I had the car towed to my home.

Next morning - Water level in radiator was good. Car started fine. Temperature guage heated up to 120 withing a couple of minutes, but engine was getting hot to the touch on all metal, including valve covers and turbo. I shut it down.

What do I start checking? Water was circulating some, as water in radiator was warm and pressurized, but not as hot as the engine seemed to be.
Sep 9, 2009 at 12:50 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Hi Maybe the thermostat not opening all the way. Also is coolin fan comming on? oil look O.K.?\Let me know
Thanks for donate
Sep 9, 2009 at 2:22 PM
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LUCKY LEE
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Thermostat was staying open. Also had a 180 degree one in it, spec's call for 195
Fan Fuse was burned out.
I think coolant temp sensor was bad as it didn't go over 179 even when engine was really hot, so it was replaced.
Went one step further and replaced relay switch.

Lot's of things wrong but worked them out.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Lee
Sep 10, 2009 at 9:04 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Your Welcome
Glad your runnig cool again. Guess after 21yrs stuff kinda gives up.
Sep 11, 2009 at 3:12 PM