A_DAB_will_do
New Member
1998 Chevy C3500HD, stock 6.5L TD, ~125,000 miles
I've noticed since I bought this truck 3 years ago that the engine runs really cold unless it's over about 85°F outside. Is this normal?
For example, I drove about 20 minutes on the freeway this am. Outside temp was about 32°F, and the truck was parked outside overnight. I let it idle while scraping frost from the windows(~3min?) and then left. When I arrived at my destination, the engine temp gauge read about 165°-170°F, like the engine never reached normal operating temp. The defroster was blowing warm air, but I assume this happens long before the engine fully warms up. I don't usually hammer on the engine, because the truck is older, and I'm still fixing stuff as I discover it's worn-out/rotted/damaged.
I've seen the engine fully warm up to ~195°F, where the temp stops rising, but the only time I remember this happening was in the warmest months of summer.
All the other engine temp posts I've seen have dealt with engines running too hot.
I've never pulled the thermostat. Could this be a sign that someone has installed a non-standard thermo? Or a symptom of some other problem? Or am I worrying over nothing?
I've noticed since I bought this truck 3 years ago that the engine runs really cold unless it's over about 85°F outside. Is this normal?
For example, I drove about 20 minutes on the freeway this am. Outside temp was about 32°F, and the truck was parked outside overnight. I let it idle while scraping frost from the windows(~3min?) and then left. When I arrived at my destination, the engine temp gauge read about 165°-170°F, like the engine never reached normal operating temp. The defroster was blowing warm air, but I assume this happens long before the engine fully warms up. I don't usually hammer on the engine, because the truck is older, and I'm still fixing stuff as I discover it's worn-out/rotted/damaged.
I've seen the engine fully warm up to ~195°F, where the temp stops rising, but the only time I remember this happening was in the warmest months of summer.
All the other engine temp posts I've seen have dealt with engines running too hot.
I've never pulled the thermostat. Could this be a sign that someone has installed a non-standard thermo? Or a symptom of some other problem? Or am I worrying over nothing?
