engine and drivetrain Engine Runs Too Cold

[Cyclone101]

My car has been running cold for a while now, and since it had many problems keeping me from driving it I never bothered fixing it.

 

The needle is just above the blue and about two years ago I changed the thermostat to a new 80'C one, but I suspect it was a dud as it would sometimes get stuck closed and my car would overheat, so I swapped back the old one.

 

Today I bought another 80'C thermostat and before installing it I tested it (without a thermometer), and it seemed to work fine, after installing it, the car still indicates just above the blue. I am now suspecting either the temp sender or the gauge cluster.

 

Is there any way to test those components before buying new parts? Could there be other reasons the car runs cold? Could a bad ground cause it to read low? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Regards

Jacques

 

 

[percy]

My car has been running cold for a while now, and since it had many problems keeping me from driving it I never bothered fixing it.

 

The needle is just above the blue and about two years ago I changed the thermostat to a new 80'C one, but I suspect it was a dud as it would sometimes get stuck closed and my car would overheat, so I swapped back the old one.

 

Today I bought another 80'C thermostat and before installing it I tested it (without a thermometer), and it seemed to work fine, after installing it, the car still indicates just above the blue. I am now suspecting either the temp sender or the gauge cluster.

 

Is there any way to test those components before buying new parts? Could there be other reasons the car runs cold? Could a bad ground cause it to read low? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Regards

Jacques

All of your statements are premised upon the conclusion that your temperature gauge is accurate.  It may be, but maybe not.  Your ability to determine temperature may be pretty good but is it accurate in determining the difference between say 160 and 190 degrees Farenheit? 

 

An old school method of testing things included putting a mercury thermometer into the neck of the radiator when the thermostat opens, signaled by coolant flow.  Now you can get a laser-guided digital thermometer to point at the radiator and the sender housing to more accurately determine engine operating temps.

 

If your cooling system is "overly" efficient or difficult to control there are several means by which to reduce its efficiency.  This includes blocking off part of the radiator cooling surface and/or switching to a fan that draws less air, e.g. 4-blades rather than 5.  In the case of an electric fan, it can be programmed to run at a higher temperature.

 

 

[eurotrash]

My car has aways shown temp to be just above the blue, still does even after a new 180 degree thermostat.  But now that I have gauges, its generally rock solid at 180.. slightly above on the hottest days.