Won't warm up

[Vineboy]

Now that it's winter my zooks temp gauge won't go above 1/4 where before(summer) it rose too 40%. Is this OK or should I replace the thermostat.

["CANADA"]

dont worry about it...what is the outside temp? u can try putting a small bit of cardboard over some of the rad to let it warm up to operating temp while your driving...

[nicbeer]

Sounds about usual as the colder air will cool it more than in summer.

I have had the guage go down in winter due to being a v/cold night.

Mine always reads low i think due to a faulty or wrong temp sender. I got it from suzuki but they did not know if it was a vitara or sierra one or what temp it was. I have changed my themostat the other day and have not checked it as yet.

Nic

[christover1]

Now that it's winter my zooks temp gauge won't go above 1/4 where before(summer) it rose too 40%. Is this OK or should I replace the thermostat.

A Winter thermostat will make the heater work better.
Really we should be replacing them each season change, but I never do.
I doubt the guage is very accurate, but running too cold is not good for engines.
My import donk had a very cold thermo in it, probably a Japanese thing, from lots of stop start city driving?
In Aus 82 or 88*C thermostat is normal

Now I have the right thermo it runs much better, but on big wet wheelspinning hills, it warms up a bit much, though doesn't boil.

christover

[bushpig59]

Now that it's winter my zooks temp gauge won't go above 1/4 where before(summer) it rose too 40%. Is this OK or should I replace the thermostat.

A Winter thermostat will make the heater work better.
Really we should be replacing them each season change, but I never do.
I doubt the guage is very accurate, but running too cold is not good for engines.
My import donk had a very cold thermo in it, probably a Japanese thing, from lots of stop start city driving?
In Aus 82 or 88*C thermostat is normal

Now I have the right thermo it runs much better, but on big wet wheelspinning hills, it warms up a bit much, though doesn't boil.

christover

Where do you get them and where does it fit?

[lay80n]

Now that it's winter my zooks temp gauge won't go above 1/4 where before(summer) it rose too 40%. Is this OK or should I replace the thermostat.

A Winter thermostat will make the heater work better.
Really we should be replacing them each season change, but I never do.
I doubt the guage is very accurate, but running too cold is not good for engines.
My import donk had a very cold thermo in it, probably a Japanese thing, from lots of stop start city driving?
In Aus 82 or 88*C thermostat is normal

Now I have the right thermo it runs much better, but on big wet wheelspinning hills, it warms up a bit much, though doesn't boil.

christover

Where do you get them and where does it fit?

When you buy thermostats, there is usually a temp range available for the thermostat application. You just need to ask for a thermostat to fit your car (zook etc) with the temp range you want.
Layto....

[christover1]

Where do you get them and where does it fit?

thermostat is in the roundish housing at the end of the top radiator hose, on drivers side front top of engine.
Usually round 10 - 20 bucks, easy to change, often need to replace the gasket, too. Any auto shop will have 1.

christover

[Vineboy]

My understanding of thermostats is they restrict the flow of radiator water untill the water in the block is hot enough to open it and let the cooler rad' water around the engine. Does this mean that the engine is not even reaching hot enough temp's for the thermo to open. Mornings here can be 0-5C. Can also be minus 4.
Yours in long johns
Andrew

[lay80n]

My understanding of thermostats is they restrict the flow of radiator water untill the water in the block is hot enough to open it and let the cooler rad' water around the engine. Does this mean that the engine is not even reaching hot enough temp's for the thermo to open. Mornings here can be 0-5C. Can also be minus 4.
Yours in long johns
Andrew

True thermostats alllow the motor to warm quickly, as the water is restriced to the block only till they open. They also regulate the temp, as if you coolant gets too cool, they will start to close, allowing less flow through the radiator. A winter thermostat with a higher opening temp sounds like the go in you application.
Layto....