freebo

I put cardboard up, might have made a slight difference on the temp gauge.

How would the heater core affect the engine temp? Is there any way to test a heater core?

The thought crossed my mind that I might have problems with the gauge and heater core, but hoped someone might have an easy answer that would solve both problems.

freebo

Well, almost certain that the heater core is bad. The heat problem is becoming more and more puzzling.

The temp gauge does not show the engine getting warm. I grounded the temp gauge wire to see if the gauge works, when grounded the needle goes to full hot which indicates to me that the gauge is good. Then,I checked of the coolant in the top of the radiator while the motor was at operating temp. Temp was approximately 175 degrees, I have a 195 degree thermostat. I think that is within the acceptable range considering that the coolant being tested was at the top of the radiator and on its way back into the motor.

At this point I was almost positive that the temp gauge sending unit is bad. I am stoked because this would be an easy fix. I installed a new sending unit, and fire up the motor. Long after the needle should have been in the mid range of the gauge it had barely registered. Once again I check the temp in the radiator, it is just under 175, I ground the gauge again and the needle goes nearly to the top.

At this point I am at a loss. Any input would be appreciated. Sorry for the thread hijack, but our problems seem pretty related.

Dirt Driver

The water in the top of the radiator just came from the engine. It comes out of the thermostat neck, goes into the radiator, and comes out the bottom hose.

AE86GTS

mines ok it just takes a some time to warm up due to it being about 2 F* outside right now

CyMoN

ok with it being 14 outside here I let my truck run for 5 minutes before I leave the cab is cold for a mile then I hit the high way and I have heat.
I also could let my truck run for 40 or 50 minutes and the gauge would not go up it is cold a and it probably just means that the block is not hot enough to open the tstat in idle I have never been concerned about it I am more concerned about the gauge going up.