so i just got a '95 LS. the radiator has a crack in it and the previous owner says the cooling fan doesn't work, but one of the cooling fans goes on when i let teh car idle.

when i drive the car, the temp gauge goes up really fast and after about 7 minutes it will go from C to H. but when i turn on the heat, its not cold yet. and it just seems to run very hot, even though when i pop the hood, the block feels fine.

ALSO i don't think i have the stock LS gague cluster, because reline starts at 8k.

so is it my temp sensor? thermostat? waterpump? or is my car actually running very hot?

 

well, first things first...i'd change the radiator. Had the same issue with my 95 LS and I got a new aluminum dual core radiator for 125 bucks flat with shipping. Works like a charm for me now. Anytime you change your radiator, you might as well change the thermostat. Located on the back of your block where the coolant hose goes into it. thats the cheapest/easiest two things to start with. depending on the outcome of that you can check your temp sensor, finally ending with water pump. Did you make sure the cap is sealing right on the radiator as well?

 

Check the coolant level. If there's little or no coolant, the temp sensor reads cylinder head temp, which is way hotter than the coolant temp. There's no way that coolant could warm up that fast, unless it idled rediculously high, or you started it and ran the dogshit out of it for a few minutes. But it is possible for the head to warm up past the regular coolant temp in 7 minutes, so your probably low on coolant.

 

when looking at the engine bay from the front of the car, which fan is the cooling fan while driving?

 

make sure ur fans are working...