Tech Tip
Keeping your C5 running cool.
from Kurt Ryder
Would you like to better understand how you can keep your C5 running cool during the 2022 driving season and thereafter? Well, maybe the information I am about to give may be of interest. This also applies to C4 owners in that both cars are known as “ground feeders”, meaning the air to cool the radiator/AC condenser comes off the ground/pavement up into the units to cool them. This, of course, picks up debris from the ground and may clog your radiator or AC condenser.
I own a 2004 C5 coupe. This car has the LS1 engine and 2004 is the last year of C5 production, so it has the best technology available at the time. Also, many of the bugs that caused problems for the C5 generation have been worked out. However, basic maintenance is always in order and may save you a headache or two on your next cruise.
As you well know, your engine’s radiator is a major component of your cooling system. In front of your engine radiator is your AC condenser which looks like a radiator. If you are able to look under the front of your C5 and look up, you will probably see the AC condenser and debris, such as leaves small twigs and seed pods. Refer to Pic 1.
Pic 1
Unfortunately, I have already cleaned the debris from my AC condenser but, if you have never cleaned this area, you should have some leaves, etc. to clean off. You can use compressed air to clean the area but, of course, be careful to avoid nicking any part of your condenser. You could also use a hose and nozzle to rinse out the area. This is the easy part. You’re not done yet.
To get to the area between the engine radiator and the AC condenser, you will need to remove the air intake duct from the throttle body. See Pic 2.
Pic 2
You then need to remove the long black shroud under the air intake duct. See Pic 3.
Pic 3
That will reveal the area between the engine radiator and the AC condenser. See Pic 4.
Pic 4
As you can see, mine has debris which seems mainly to be pine needles and some small leaves.
For those of you who are hesitant to remove parts from your Corvette, I will refer you to a YouTube video that makes it look pretty easy – How to Clean Out C5/C6 radiator, by My Corvette Life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J02kTZblkMA
If this is not something you are comfortable doing, maybe you have a friend that is good with mechanics and you can do it together. Good luck. Give me a call if you run into some problems and I can recommend a good beer: Kurt Ryder, hobosvet@gmail.com or (860) 302-3958. Send me an email first with your phone number so I recognize your number when you call.