Those with LS conversions: What kind a of coolant temperature are you seeing?

[Tom.A]

As the title says would like to know what you guys are seeing. I ventured out for a little spin around the block and noticed the temp hit 220ish. I pulled over and shut it down. The fans had just kicked on around 210F I think.
I did want to let it run more to see if it came down. Looking at the vette forums this sounds normal but it seemed high to me. If this is normal what is high?
For the record I am running a LS3 with Ron Davis LS radiator with dual spal fans. I guess I need to see what John @ Speartech configures the ECU.
I also have no idea what thermostat I have.

Thanks,

[XcYZ]

Sounds like you might have air trapped in the system.

With that identical radiator and fan setup, I see 180* ~ 190* with a 180* thermostat. I have very little fluctuation, even when stuck in stop and go traffic in the heat of summer.

[dhutton]

How did you connect the steam vent? I also remember it took a bit of effort to burp the system the first time I filled it. I disconnected the upper hose from the radiator if I remember right.

Don

[CamaroAJ]

if its a stock stat and the ECM hasn't been tuned to turn the fans on sooner then your right about where it should run at 220*. now if its a 180* stat and the fans are tuned to turn on sooner then you may have an air pocket in the system.

[hifi875]

i am running the dual spal fan controller w/a prc radiator and factory 187degree stat. mine won't get to 200 at all. stays between 180-195

[Jr]

I used fans from a 2000 Camaro. My temp never goes over 198.

[Z06vette]

As mentioned above, it doesnt matter what stat you are running if the fans arent turning on until 220, which is about right for stock ecu setting. I too had trouble with air trapped in the system. If the upper & lower hoses are hot when running engine, air is likely not the problem; at least that has been my experience. With a 187 stat you could maybe set the ecu to turn the fans on at 200 & off at 190. Any lower & the fan will likely just run all the time. Let us know what you find out.
Scott

[69x22]

Mine is 195 to 200 degrees, I tied the steam vent into the top of the water pump where the upper hose comes off the water pump.

[Tom.A]

Thanks for the replys and help. It looks like it was an air pocket. I changed the t-stat also since I pulled the hose. I also called John @ Speartech and he said unless otherwise asked he sets the fans to come on @ 205F. Also in case somebody finds this thread I think it would be better to fill the upper rad-hose before hooking it up. I did not do that the first time which is likely how I got an air pocket. Took it for a spin and it ran around 195 range. The fans never came on with 15 mins. of driving/running. So thanks again this problem solved :thumbsup: On to the next problems of leaking oil, shreding serp belts and no working power steering:lol:

[69x22]

I had to fill the engine with coolant by taking the upper hose off of the radiator.

[Rybar]

Sounds like you might have air trapped in the system.

With that identical radiator and fan setup, I see 180* ~ 190* with a 180* thermostat. I have very little fluctuation, even when stuck in stop and go traffic in the heat of summer.

Mine runs similar to Scotts, and I would guess air trapped in the system or replace the t-stat. Running a GM t-stat

[CamaroAJ]

i always use this to fill my systems

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LIL-24610

i also have a cooling system vacuum. it pulls a vacuum on the whole system and when then you stick the hose in new coolant and turn the valve and it fills the system. it works pretty good but i like the funnel better.