How can I run cooler? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chevelle454 · 12-12-2003, 10:19 PM

My '84 Caprice seems to run much better with a lot more power when it has only been running a few minutes verses when it is at full operating temp. It is a stock 305.

How can I get it to run cooler? It has a new radiator and fresh coolant. I don't want any expensive solutions, such as electric fans or larger radiators. If there is an easy way to keep it cooler, I'd like to hear some ideas.

Thanks,
Scott

Longhorn Man · 12-12-2003, 10:21 PM

160 degree thermostat. i run one in my truck in the summer months and it does run better, gets better MPG too.

jhow66 · 12-12-2003, 10:33 PM

It also runs better when it is cold because the choke is still on which makes it run richer. Jet your carb up about 2 sizes.

cdowns · 12-12-2003, 10:35 PM

yep the 160 thermo or no thermo at all will make it run cooler BUT you'll also lose alot of heat that comes out of the heater, considering where you live do you want to ride around in a cold car all winter ??????

pierce · 12-12-2003, 10:41 PM

There's also an additive for coolant called Water Wetter that helps keep it a certain % cooler.
Synthetic oil...but that's expensive

Chevelle454 · 12-12-2003, 10:45 PM

I forgot about water wetter. I have a full container that I use in my dirtbike radiator... I think I will try some of that.

And yes, I would like to keep my heat...lol

All are good ideas, anything else I could try?

Glen · 12-12-2003, 11:21 PM

84? Is that a tbi or carb'd vehicle?

Chevelle454 · 12-12-2003, 11:22 PM

4 barrel stock carb.

Longhorn Man · 12-13-2003, 02:02 AM

Like I said...in the warmer months I run it...In the winter i go with a stock 195 T-stat. Even though my heater runs warmer with the 160...anyone able to answer that one? 110 air temp with the 195, and 125 air temp with the 160...go figure.

dinnut · 12-13-2003, 02:03 AM

you could jet the carb up and put the thermostat like they said. that will probably help alot!

Moloko · 12-13-2003, 11:19 AM

Run a 160 thermo, DO NOT run no thermo. You will actually run hotter because the coolant will not stay in the radiator long enough to properly cool and it will take forever for the vehicle to warm up.

PanelDeland · 12-13-2003, 04:17 PM

I've been toying with the idea of running a remote oil filter set-up with a cooler like a tranny cooler to help keep the engine oil temp and engine temp lower.I think this would take some of the load off of the cooling system.It probably doesn't fit into your low budget thought but it would probably cost less than $100.00 and would have the benefit of running dual oil filters if desired.

12-12-2003, 10:19 PM	#1
Chevelle454 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 380	How can I run cooler? My '84 Caprice seems to run much better with a lot more power when it has only been running a few minutes verses when it is at full operating temp. It is a stock 305. How can I get it to run cooler? It has a new radiator and fresh coolant. I don't want any expensive solutions, such as electric fans or larger radiators. If there is an easy way to keep it cooler, I'd like to hear some ideas. Thanks, Scott __________________ 1972 C10 1972 C20

12-12-2003, 10:33 PM	#3
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	It also runs better when it is cold because the choke is still on which makes it run richer. Jet your carb up about 2 sizes. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

12-12-2003, 10:35 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	yep the 160 thermo or no thermo at all will make it run cooler BUT you'll also lose alot of heat that comes out of the heater, considering where you live do you want to ride around in a cold car all winter ?????? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-12-2003, 10:41 PM	#5
pierce Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Cincinnati,OH,USA Posts: 464	There's also an additive for coolant called Water Wetter that helps keep it a certain % cooler. Synthetic oil...but that's expensive __________________ 69 GMC 1 Ton Longhorn 37 Chevy Coupe

12-12-2003, 10:45 PM	#6
Chevelle454 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 380	I forgot about water wetter. I have a full container that I use in my dirtbike radiator... I think I will try some of that. And yes, I would like to keep my heat...lol All are good ideas, anything else I could try? __________________ 1972 C10 1972 C20

12-12-2003, 10:21 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	160 degree thermostat. i run one in my truck in the summer months and it does run better, gets better MPG too.

12-12-2003, 11:21 PM	#7
Glen Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 189	84? Is that a tbi or carb'd vehicle? Last edited by Glen; 12-12-2003 at 11:23 PM.

12-12-2003, 11:22 PM	#8
Chevelle454 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 380	4 barrel stock carb. __________________ 1972 C10 1972 C20

12-13-2003, 02:02 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Like I said...in the warmer months I run it...In the winter i go with a stock 195 T-stat. Even though my heater runs warmer with the 160...anyone able to answer that one? 110 air temp with the 195, and 125 air temp with the 160...go figure.

12-13-2003, 02:03 AM	#10
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	you could jet the carb up and put the thermostat like they said. that will probably help alot! __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

12-13-2003, 11:19 AM	#11
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Run a 160 thermo, DO NOT run no thermo. You will actually run hotter because the coolant will not stay in the radiator long enough to properly cool and it will take forever for the vehicle to warm up. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

12-13-2003, 04:17 PM	#12
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	I've been toying with the idea of running a remote oil filter set-up with a cooler like a tranny cooler to help keep the engine oil temp and engine temp lower.I think this would take some of the load off of the cooling system.It probably doesn't fit into your low budget thought but it would probably cost less than $100.00 and would have the benefit of running dual oil filters if desired. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

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