1996 Chevy Corsica Engine temp too low

BAKES478

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CORSICA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
191,200 MILES

I have just installed a new radiator because the old one had a leak and was told it was unrepairable by 2 radiator shops. I flushed the system, changed thermostat, added new anti-freeze, bled air out by leaving cap open when filling, plus opened the bleeder valve on top of the thermostat housing until steady flow of antifreeze came out. Heater was on full blast during this whole process. After driving 30 or so miles engine temp on gauge reaches only the quarter mark or below that. I'm not getting adequate heat inside the car. This same problem existed before I changed the radiator and above items. Can you suggest what could be wrong?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi:

After reading your concern, I have a few ideas for you to check. First, the thermostat may be bad. Also, as far as the heat goes, the heater core may be blocked. What you need to do is get a thermometer that can be used in your radiator. With the rad cap off, start the car and let it warm up to operating temp. (Never open a rad cap when the vehicle is hot!) Using the thermometer, identify the temp of the coolant. On average, most vehicles have a 195 degree t-stat so that is where you need to be. If it is much cooler, the T-stat you put in must not be any good. If it is around 195, replace the rad cap and allow the system to pressureize. Have the heater on and watch the heater core hoses to make sure they don't collapse. It they do, replace them. If not, feel the send and returne hoses to the heater core. The returne line should almost be as hot as the supply line. Keep in mind, the coolant running through them is nearly 200 degrees. If the return line is cool, the heater core is blocked and needs flushed or replaced.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Joe