Engine temp

289 - 351 cid Small Block Performance
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thrnelson
Posts: 116
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2015 1:58 pm
Location: Binghamton, NY

Engine temp

Post by thrnelson »

I am having a strange issue I need some help with.

My engine will not warm up. I have a 180 degree thermostat in a mild 289, I drive around and the engine will hardly get over 120. I pulled the thermostat out so I could test it and found it stuck open. It was held open by two small tabs on each side. I dis-lodged it and tested it in hot water. Around 140 it started to open and at 180 it was completely open. I cooled it off and it closed again. I reinstalled it and this morning drove to work, ambient temperature was about 38 degrees F and the engine barely got to 110 degrees. The drive to work is about 18 minutes. Before I pull the thermostat again and replace it I wanted to get your two cents.

My specific questions are:

How long does it take your cars with a mild 289 to warm up?
Have any of you ever experienced this issue?

Thanks,
Trent
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poboyjo65
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Posts: 7037
Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2011 9:40 pm
Location: Camden, Tenn.

Re: Engine temp

Post by poboyjo65 »

May be the gauge or wiring? Mine (180°) warms up in about 5-10 minutes. Heater starts getting warm in 3-4 minutes, & pretty hot in 10. your heater would be a good way to tell if it is running proper in the mornings. if the heat gets warm fairly soon then your thermostat started out closed & is starting to open up.
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Johno

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