Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on --UPDATED
 

Facts:
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-Ambient temp 90-100F
-Gets hot when stuck in traffic- (0-20 mph).
-Coolant runs at 232 deg F with a/c on which is a couple of needle widths from the red zone on analog gauge.
-cools down when going 50 mph with a/c on
-cools down even faster at any speed when a/c off
-Will heat up parked in the shade with a/c on (car already hot from driving in traffic).
-chip programmed to run both fans over 205 degrees.
-orig water pump
-coolant full

It reached 232F (peak of 234) with the a/c on and would not get hotter. The car will also cool itself down to 205 degrees (a/c off) parked with the fans running until they turn off. Both fans spin, but I have not checked the bearing on the r/h one yet, but the left fan spins full speed.

theories-
Needs a new radiator? it was out 18 months ago and was totally cleaned at that time.

Garbage blocking a portion of the rad air flow? the condenser is totally clear though.

Even though it does not overheat per se, 230 is a touch warm and it pings a lot running like that. I did not notice any thing like this last summer.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

I'd definitely check to be sure the fans are running at full speed, I'd also suggest seeing how much current the motors are drawing.

If it's been a few years since you've disassembled and cleaned the cooling stack, you're probably due for it.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

Yeah, I was actually looking for the hvac readout trick, but then I remembered the tech-1 rides in the storage bin, so I plugged it in and purposely drove out again into rush hour traffic to see if the temps stabilized.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

I had the radiator and oil cooler out in Feb 2011. The radiator was power flushed, but I suspect that the total capacity has diminished. I think it is still on the original unit. I will probably look at the fans when the car cools off.

Last year I drove the Phoenix to get Bill B to rebuild my ZF and it was maybe about 90 degrees or so in April and I had no issues then. Maybe there is a layer of dirt I can't see behind the condenser, but if I take the radiator out, maybe I'll just get a new one this time.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

Stock replacement radiators are cheap enough -- probably makes sense to just replace if there's any doubts.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

You haven't said what other mods you have besides the chip (running both fans full on after 205deg).
And when you run at 10-20mph and it heats up what gear are you're in?
It maybe time to upgrade to a Ron Davis unit.

From what I've read it seems about normal for a stock system running in hot ambient temps.
These cooling systems were not the best. Known issue for quite a while.
I run stock and religiously clean the front of the stack (I use a screen in front) and I see high temps like yours in the same situations. However because I have an almost stock chip I keep the AC on to keep the fans on. When I see 230deg I back way off normal diving and pamper it.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

mike really take a look at the condenser. its very easy for these thing to get a film of dirt in them and it really plays havoc with the air flow as i found out . also if you have a radiator comb run it though the condenser. mine was really beat up on the bottom .

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

I drove thru areas that hit 116 degree's this week. Living in Las Vegas it happens. With A/C on and going at least 45mph needle stays close to middle with a 180 degree thermostat. But no problems driving for hours on end if ( continually staying moving through that temperature ).

If you slow way down or get into stop and go it heats up pretty fast. The asphalt temperature is we'll over 140 degrees, look the car is inches from it, the air is super heated as it is drawn in as we'll.

I try to turn the A/C off in stop and go and at stops and it helps keep it reasonable. I will check it using the radio for a gauge for tempature accuracy and see what it is in the upper range.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

stock manifolds and oem thermostat (1 year old). a couple of extra degrees of ign timing in the chip, but it is actually close to stock in the mid range load cells to run 91 octane. A little manifold porting, but BLM's are pretty close to 128 at cruise rpms so I would say the car is effectively stock.

I drove it (hard) down to the cars and coffee meet up spot this morning and the gauge would not exceed 50% so obviously the water flow is functional. I think either I found the limit of the cooling system and all the cars may run hot in this condition, or my system is partially compromised. I will probably pull the rad when I get a chance in the coming weeks. bottom line- it is 22 years old.

Re: Running a little hot, but only when a/c is on
 

I suggest just a stock replacement. Like you said its 22 years old I did this a few years ago for gp. The fins has so much sand and silt in it not to mention the leafs, debris and other crap all affecting cooling. The plastic ends were swelled a little bit as well. Make a project out of it as its a great time to replace you belt and hoses while your there if needed. GC