Overheating Strategies (General)

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Ok.
But, doesn't it run too fast to get hot, too?

[John H.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

No. Heat is absorbed by the coolant, then transferred to the air by the radiator; when the rate of heat transfer to the air is exceeded by the rate of heat absorption by the coolant, temperature builds continuously and the system boils over. Aside from speeding warmup and ensuring a high enough coolant temperature in cold winter ambients so the heater works effectively, the thermostat's primary function is to modulate coolant flow to maintain a given temperature; the effective area of its flow opening is a carefully-chosen orifice that permits modulation within the flow rate of the opening. The thermostat has absolutely nothing to do with reducing abnormally-high operating temperature; when it's open, it's open. If you have a 180* thermostat and your system runs at 210*, replacing it with a 160* thermostat won't affect it one iota - it'll still run at 210* - that's a function of the radiator's heat rejection capability.

[John H.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

No. Heat is absorbed by the coolant, then transferred to the air by the radiator; when the rate of heat transfer to the air is exceeded by the rate of heat absorption by the coolant, temperature builds continuously and the system boils over. Aside from speeding warmup and ensuring a high enough coolant temperature in cold winter ambients so the heater works effectively, the thermostat's primary function is to modulate coolant flow to maintain a given temperature; the effective area of its flow opening is a carefully-chosen orifice that permits modulation within the flow rate of the opening. The thermostat has absolutely nothing to do with reducing abnormally-high operating temperature; when it's open, it's open. If you have a 180* thermostat and your system runs at 210*, replacing it with a 160* thermostat won't affect it one iota - it'll still run at 210* - that's a function of the radiator's heat rejection capability.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

WOW!!

That's why I really like this organization!

Thank you for the thermo-hydraulics lesson!!

I always wondered what would happen if I took the thermostat out altogether. I just never got around to it.

By the way, I was thinking of the furnace under my floor. I bought the tunnel insulation, then it occurred to me that the exhaust pipes radiate more heat than the transmission (4-speed.) So, I thought of having an aluminum plate made for each exhaust for my 71 like a catylitic converter shield. What are your thoughts on that one?!

Thank you.
Tony

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

WOW!!

That's why I really like this organization!

Thank you for the thermo-hydraulics lesson!!

I always wondered what would happen if I took the thermostat out altogether. I just never got around to it.

By the way, I was thinking of the furnace under my floor. I bought the tunnel insulation, then it occurred to me that the exhaust pipes radiate more heat than the transmission (4-speed.) So, I thought of having an aluminum plate made for each exhaust for my 71 like a catylitic converter shield. What are your thoughts on that one?!

Thank you.
Tony

[Robert C.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Tony, I believe the exhaust heat shields are available, being a standard 63 Corvette item.

[Robert C.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Tony, I believe the exhaust heat shields are available, being a standard 63 Corvette item.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Would they work on a 1971?

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Would they work on a 1971?

[Robert C.]

Re:heat shields

The standard shields should work, they clamp around the pipe. I believe 80s Corvettes have them also.

[Robert C.]

Re:heat shields

The standard shields should work, they clamp around the pipe. I believe 80s Corvettes have them also.

[Michael H.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

I've seen so many Corvette owners get in fits because their car is running 210. Big Deal - more HP means more heat.

[Michael H.]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

I've seen so many Corvette owners get in fits because their car is running 210. Big Deal - more HP means more heat.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Yeah, but, 210 at idle in traffic??!

[Tony Roussos]

Re: Overheating Strategies (General)

Yeah, but, 210 at idle in traffic??!