All during the warm weather the car ran around 190 degrees.
Took it for a 35 mile drive yesterday morning in 35 degree temperatures. The temp gauge never left the bottom.
Heater didn't work well at all, just lukewarm air (valve open)
I stopped and used my IR gun on the block and radiator, 118 degrees, same on heater core.
Odd. Last time my heater in a different car refused to blow hot air, it was low on coolant, but engine was hot. This one isn't.
If the thermostat was stuck shut, the block would be hot. If it was stuck open, everything would be cold. If it is missing, everything would be cold.
It isn't cold enough to have need for a shutter, or cardboard to block the airflow.
So it is either stuck open or missing, right?
Rob
Rob,
That would be my take on it but it seems odd that it would have run at 190 previously. I'm guessing that it's in there, but now is stuck in the open position.....possibly due to running hot previously. 190 is well on the high side. You've been into everything else, so you might as well get into the T-stat, too! But don't stop there. Something made it run @190 and you likely know what the choices are.
F
Rob,
If removing the Gooseneck housing you discover the Thermostat stuck open, this is a suggestion to update from other guys in our Western Reserve Chapter....
Remove the old thermost and plug the by pass hole with a 1"[i][u] cup type soft plug[/u][/i], then drill a small hole in the center of the plug. Then install a modern Thermostat.... I use a thermostat from an early '60's Ford 390 v8 #33036 Gates, which is 160 degree. [i](180 is probably a different number)[/i]
Additionally,[u] (I cement the T/Stat into the housing then cement the gasket overnite so when placing on the head it doesnt slip out of place[/u]).
Frank and Chuck,
Thank you for your advice.
I've been watching/checking the temperatures of the block, thermostat housing, and radiator through the last few months with my IR gun.
It is consistent between them. To me this would indicate that the water distribution tubes are in good shape.
So I'm guessing the radiator and block need to be flushed.
Anything I'm missing, other than modifying the thermostat housing?
Rob
If there was a problem with the block or radiator the car would run hot.
Your thermostat is stuck open or missing.
Thank you Eddie!
Rob
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