Temperature range

[SS Camaro UK]

What is the normal operating temperature range of the LSx engines and at what temp will the fans kick in?

I noticed the gauge in my car tonight was steady at 210 and the fans hadn't kicked in. If this is normal then all is well, but if not, I'd like to know so I can do something before it's too late.

[SMWS6TA]

Water boils at 212*F @ sea level so I would say your running very hot.

Fans should come on around 185*-190* unless you have them programed to turn on at a lower temp (mine are set to come on at 165* because it's hot all the time here.)


First check the fuse and see if it's bad. replace if so,

Check the temp sensor that is on the drivers side right beside the exhaust manifold. If it is damage or broke it may not be telling the pcm to turn the fans on.

Check fluid levels? Low fluid can cause overheating issues.

Next turn car on and let it warm up. Once the T-stat opens (around 185*) you should see the coolant begin to flow. If you do not and the temps still climb = water pump or t-stat is bad.


For insurance check the oil and coolant for signs of a gasket leak. If it's the oil it will look like chocolate milk and if in coolant it will have an oily film.

[tatertot91]

Unless you have a 98 the temp gauge in later cars in nowhere near accurate. It basically goes up to 210 and stays there unless it begins to overheat
Scott did make some important points, but just wanted to add this bit

[nathanWS6]

Unless you have a 98 the temp gauge in later cars in nowhere near accurate. It basically goes up to 210 and stays there unless it begins to overheat
Scott did make some important points, but just wanted to add this bit

i second what he said! mine sits at 210 but, when hooked up to my scanner it reads in the 170's

[SS Camaro UK]

Thanks for the replies, I'll check out those things and cross my fingers for the inaccurate gauge.

[tatertot91]

Couldn't hurt to find a scanner that reads live data to tell you what the real temps are

[SteveC]

Water boils at 212*F @ sea level so I would say your running very hot.

This is true, however when you mix it 50/50 with antifreeze, that raises the boiling point quite a bit. I was under the impression that the LS1 engine with the stock thermostat (210F I believe) ran closer to 220+ when warm.

my 2001 Z28 (Sara) has a 180F thermostat, with the fan on off temperature adjusted in the PCM, and I run anywhere from 186-195F depending on the outside temperature.

SteveC

[SMWS6TA]

Stock T-stat is 185* most cars with a 50/50 should when warmed up to operating temp run around 190-200, slightly higher on hot days.

Like Alex posted 98's have the only true gauges all the rest are in general measurements. Why GM did this IMHO it was a cheap lazy ass move. Performance cars should not have general reading gauges.