LS cooling question..

[samckitt]

The part of the thermostat that reacts to the temperature is on the back side of the "valve" away from the cooler fluid. The engine side is hotter & opens up to allow cool fluid through, it closes if temperature drops, recirculating warmer fluid from the engine back through it. I would say you have a bad thermostat, but you say you are on the 3rd or 4th one. So i'm confused too.

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by samckitt

The part of the thermostat that reacts to the temperature is on the back side of the "valve" away from the cooler fluid. The engine side is hotter & opens up to allow cool fluid through, it closes if temperature drops, recirculating warmer fluid from the engine back through it. I would say you have a bad thermostat, but you say you are on the 3rd or 4th one. So i'm confused too.

Is it possible to install an LS thermostat backwards?

Don

[samckitt]

No, the metal coil that controls the valve wont fit under the housing if backwards.

[yukio]

Ok, thanks for the replys.
Ill try some other stuff tomorrow.

I am still thinking that when the thermostat opens, cold water get to the "temp sensing" side of the thermostat, which in turns closes the thermostat.

Does the backside of the thermostat (passage to the heater) need alot of circulation of hot water to get the thermostat working properly?

[Chad-1stGen]

Originally Posted by yukio

Ok, thanks for the replys.
Ill try some other stuff tomorrow.

I am still thinking that when the thermostat opens, cold water get to the "temp sensing" side of the thermostat, which in turns closes the thermostat.

Does the backside of the thermostat (passage to the heater) need alot of circulation of hot water to get the thermostat working properly?

I don't think this is it. The thermostat is more efficient if you have your heater hoses flowing full time as opposed to a shutoff valve in them. This is how all LS motors work from the factory. However, plenty of people run the ports blocked without any trouble.

I suspect air in the system. Where does the steam vent line go? Next time the car is fully warmed up and you are sitting still try reving it up above 2,500 rpm for 30+ seconds. If the temp drops then you have air trapped in the system.

[71RS/SS396]

How are the fans controlled? What's the temp when you're standing still? Why a 160* thermostat?

[dhutton]

Where did you connect the steam vent?

Don

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by yukio

I am still thinking that when the thermostat opens, cold water get to the "temp sensing" side of the thermostat, which in turns closes the thermostat.

If this was the case every LS out there would have this problem. They don't...

Don

[randy]

fans wired backwards so its pushing instead of pulling?
Air in the system would be my guess if the fans are operating the correct way.

[Z06vette]

What temp is the car running at when standing still? What are your fan on/off temps set at? I find that air gets trapped in these setups often when firt installing everything or when the system has been drained. If one hose is cold, its not circulating,obviously. Doubt 3 thermostats are bad. Do you recall how much coolant you poured in? If the motor was bone dry initially, it will take 2.5-3 gallons to fill. To help purge the system, I found that driving the car to get it up to temp- maybe a couple miles. Then park it overnight, removing the cap after it cools. Most times, the next morning I can add anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 gal of coolant. Keep us posted