C-1 Cooling

[Nicholas L.]

1960 Corvette, 270 HP. I recently installed new Dewitts top tank radiator, radiator cap(15 psi) and thermostat. I am still having the same problem that I had before these changes. On initial startup, cold engine, I drive the car and temperature needle slowly rises to 220 degrees. Thermostat opens and engine temp drops to about 160 degrees and stays there all the time I am driving. If I stop for awhile and drive again the temp is fine. Any thoughts or suggestions on why I see the high temperature only on initial startup?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Duke W.]

Re: C-1 Cooling

It sounds like the thermostat is sticky. You can test it by placing it in a pan of water with a thermometer and bringing it to a boil. Assuming you have a 180 degree thermostat, it should begin to open within about five degrees of 180 and be near full open when the water boils.

Duke