So i think i know the answer to my question thanks to Stigs "Diagnosing Heating problems" thread but i just wanted to confirm. Car:1988 alltrac Cooling work done: ASI aluminum Radiator. Was also told the thermostat was changed just before i bought the car (I have put about 500km on it since i got the car) Temps with the heater off Time it takes for the engine to warm up: 3-5 min Engine Temp (in city driving): Stock gauge shows it just below the 1/2 point (12:00) Engine temp (Hwy (100km/h 60m/h): Stock gauge shows it around the 1/3 point (11:00) After doing the quick heater fix today I took the car to work and the engine temps showed a lot lower Engine Temp (in city driving): Stock gauge shows it around the 1/3 point (11:00) Engine temp (Hwy (100km/h 60m/h): Stock gauge shows it around the 1/8 - 1/4 point (10:00) compared to my GTS these running temps are considerably cooler on the HWY (takes about the same time for the car to warm up). I was wondering if these are normal stats, or do you guys think the Thermostat is stuck open (or is it something else)
Re: Engine Runnig to cold? My 165 gauge shows just below the 1/2 way mark constantly, city or HWY. On a clock, it'd be around 11:00. I'm not clear, when you say 2/3 do you mean past the 1/2 mark towards the red at about 1:00? Your t-stat could be not opening or sticking if you have erratic temps. Also check the temp sender and connections. I had wonky temp readings once due to corrosion on the connector.
Re: Engine Runnig to cold? ugh i ment 1/3 so the 11:00 mark The temp is constant (the gauge doesn't fluctuate) but it just seems low to me
Re: Engine Runnig to cold? Temp gauge at about 11:00 is normal. There's been threads on this before and most ppl report the same reading. Don't worry, you don't want it running any hotter.
The temp gauge is one of my least liked items on the car. 11pm is normal, 12pm is "I'm going into meltdown now!" mode The gauge should be redlined from the 12 oclock mark In bad winter conditions (below zero) it's possible the engine takes too long to warm up and runs cold when moving, esp with a larger rad fitted - The solution is to tape a piece of plastic card or cardboard in front of the radiator, provided you never cover more than 1/2 the radiator
I actually run at 10.30 ish in terms of temps, with my bigger rad and now insulated all way round. In fact as Stig says, I will have to take action if it runs much cooler.
mine runs stupid cold. i drove her to work today to swap the headlights out and it took nearly 30 minutes to get to temp.
I've got the ASI rad in my 165 and it takes roughly 3-5 minutes to get to operating temp. I fitted a new t-stat at the same time as the new rad.
