How Hot is Too Hot

[Phillip_L]

Hello,

I was driving home Friday from work and was almost home. I took off from a stop sign and the car just did not feel right, so I looked down at the gauges. The water temp said 250F

I immediately cut off the car and coasted into a parking lot. Once it cooled to 180F, I started it up and made it home.



This weekend, I changed the oil, plugs, and topped off the coolant (2 quarts low from broiling over). Something is wrong with the fans. They are not coming on. I will dig into that this weekend.

My question is the engine. Could this have hurt the engine (aluminum block and aluminum heads (LS2))? Any warning signs? I have no idea how long the fans have not been working. I will definitely be adding an over temp light.

Phillip

[Goatman]

Well, if it cracked the block or heads, you'd be seeing oil in the coolant. Look for signs similar to a blown head gasket, ie, bubbles in the radiator, etc.

[PRRC]

you should be fine.Most of the late model cars run in the 220-240 range before the fans even come on. The high temp reduces emmissions. If you can get your fans to work at about the 200 range the motor will be very happy.
Tim

[maven]

If you actually only hit 250(as opposed to all your gauge showed was 250) then you should be fine. The Corvette with the LS2 will keep the fans on til coolant is under 230degF with key off to avoid heat soak, 256deg F is what GM turns on the over temp warnings at and Ive seen numerous engines come in with a P1258 set, this is the engine hot protection mode which turns off cylinders to try to cool the engine, this code sets at 268, Ive only ever had to replace anything more involved than a thermostat once. Typically as long as your cooling system cap is good and you dont run it out of coolant youll have no worries.

Just make sure youve got no air bubbles in the cooling system. Vacuum cooling system fillers are indispensible.