Engine only warms up to 140

[Wayne Maybury]

Lots of good feed back here but if this was my car, I would change the thermostat before doing anything else. It is quick, easy, and cheap. You cannot make it worse and if it doesn't fix the problem, you have eliminated one factor that hasn't cost much. I think that the present thermostat isn't closing properly so you are getting coolant flow when you don't need it.

Wayne

[undy]

Originally Posted by Wayne Maybury

Lots of good feed back here but if this was my car, I would change the thermostat before doing anything else. It is quick, easy, and cheap. You cannot make it worse and if it doesn't fix the problem, you have eliminated one factor that hasn't cost much. I think that the present thermostat isn't closing properly so you are getting coolant flow when you don't need it.

Wayne

Pull the t-stat and put it in a pan of water on the stove. Stick a candy thermometer in it and turn the heat up. See what it does.

[vettestr]

The different methods of getting from here to there are interesting if you stop and consider them. In the end most will get you to the same place but reminds me of how many ways there are to see or interpret things the customer says. Not saying other ways of seeing things is wrong just saying more than 1 way to skin a cat for sure.

Original facts = engine temp does not rise above 140* when on the road.
Info added = Gauge agrees with secondary devise or a pyro reading, at idle temp will rise to 180/200.
Desired outcome = temp reaches 180 quickly on start up and lives on the t-stat or does not overheat.

I see this as a shop would. I want to meet desired outcome and get paid for all my work. I have no additional info other than what is stated above and was told to fix it. I perform test that is quick and isolates component. I get paid for testing time and too confirm what parts if any are needed. I think it is probably an open t-stat or even a missing t-stat but if I just replace it and am wrong I eat labor and the part costs plus still have to perform the diagnostics.

There are still other possible causes or ways to defeat the system but all will show up as coolant temp not having a hot/cold side at the t-stat.

Not to confuse this thread I started another at http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthre...threadid=96118 How many ways can you think of

[Rick Parker]

Just put some cat litter in the oil --- it'll dry it right out.

You keep that under your FE patrickt??

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by vettestr

I get paid for testing time and too confirm what parts if any are needed.

In view of Mr. M.'s post, send the customer a diagnostic/review bill for $600 and tell him there's nothing wrong with the car. Compliment his color scheme as well. Yep, good to go....