[oldchevelle541]

My brother has a low mileage '88 Iroc with 16,000 original miles. I started it up today to keep battery charged and after idling I noticed temperature gauge around 220 - 225. I am into the older classics and am used to seeing 180. Can anyone confirm what the temp should be on the '88 with the 350 Cubic Inch.

 

[ForaFrank]

Hey @oldchevelle541,

I saw your post about the temperature on that '88 Iroc hitting 220-225, which is definitely higher than the 180 you're used to on older classics. When it gets up to that temperature, have you noticed if the electric cooling fan is kicking on? Sharing that detail might help the folks here determine if that's a normal reading for these cars.

 

[jkeithdrees]

220 is not out of the normal temp range for that car.

 

[oldchevelle541]

Hey @oldchevelle541,

I saw your post about the temperature on that '88 Iroc hitting 220-225, which is definitely higher than the 180 you're used to on older classics. When it gets up to that temperature, have you noticed if the electric cooling fan is kicking on? Sharing that detail might help the folks here determine if that's a normal reading for these cars.

Took the car on a 10 mile ride. Temp gauge appeared to be under 220 for sure. When car was back at the garage it crept up to 220+ likely because no air going thru the front spoiler duct. I notice at first no fans moving then I turned on the a/c then one of the 2 kicked on so now i would like to know what temperature specs drive those 2 fans to turn on and i am figuring the time is different between the 2 fans, I think it was the driver side fan that turned on with the A/C. Passenger side not on.

 

[bucko]

A Google search found this:

Based on the provided information, here are the temperature specifications for a 1988 IROC Camaro:

• Normal Engine Operating Temperature: Generally falls between 195°F and 220°F (90°C-105°C).
• Boiling Point of Radiator Fluid: Often between 223°F and 235°F, depending on the mixture ratios.
• Thermostat:
  • Many vehicles, including these models, were designed to operate with a 195°F or 192°F thermostat.
  • A 180°F thermostat is also mentioned as an option, especially if using a high-flow water pump, for maintaining an optimum heat range for power output.
• Oil Temperature: One source indicates that the oil temperature should ideally not exceed 230°F.

Important Notes:

• Engine Temperature Gauge: In most vehicles, a normal engine operating temperature will place the needle around the middle of the gauge.
• Overheating: If the engine temperature exceeds the boiling point of the radiator fluid, it indicates overheating.
• Troubleshooting: If you suspect overheating or your temperature gauge is showing unusual readings, it's recommended to check components like the thermostat, coolant temperature sending unit, fans, and cooling system for proper function.

And when the AC is operated:

For a 1988 IROC Camaro, the cooling fan typically engages in two stages: a low-speed fan at around 200°F and a high-speed fan at approximately 240°F. The driver-side fan is usually triggered by a temperature sensor on the manifold. The secondary fan, or high-speed fan, may also be activated by a certain AC pressure threshold.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Low-speed fan:
  .
  This fan usually kicks in when the engine coolant temperature reaches around 200°F.
  
  
• High-speed fan:
  .
  The second fan (or high-speed setting) is activated when the temperature reaches approximately 240°F.
  
  
• AC Pressure:
  .
  The high-speed fan can also be triggered by the ECM if the AC system's high-side pressure reaches a certain level.
  
  
• Fan Clutch:
  .
  In some cases, a fan clutch may be used, engaging at around 170°F air temperature (or about 180-190°F engine temperature).

You can watch this video to learn how to replace the cooling fan on a 1988 IROC Camaro:

19s

From the information provided, it appears you either have a bad temp sensor, or a bad fan for the coolant temp detection.