4AFE running too cool

[burnt03]

Coming down from the hill today, had let the car sit for about 2 hours in subzero (Maybe -3 C) weather, noticed the temp gauge wasn't getting as high as it usually does. (usually makes it about halfway)

What might cause this? I'm guessing the thermostat is stuck open? Will it hurt it to run it like this for a while? Say.... til it gets warm again

[94_Rolla_Guy]

i find that the heater can overcool the engine and cause it to stay cooler, all i do is when it starts to drop below freezing i will put corrugated plastic over half my radiator ( half without the fan) to keep the rad from working too good, seems to solve the problem...

[toyotaspeed90]

use a 195* thermostat.... most people buy 180's (myself included, an my mr2 is doing the same thing) when the car should have a 195 in it

[REN69]

Originally Posted by 94_Rolla_Guy

i find that the heater can overcool the engine and cause it to stay cooler, all i do is when it starts to drop below freezing i will put corrugated plastic over half my radiator ( half without the fan) to keep the rad from working too good, seems to solve the problem...

Same here.. I fabricated special plastic inserts that fit in the AE92 grill which if you can tell by looking at my pics is not big at all. This keeps the car a little warmer in those -20C days.

[burnt03]

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys!

[rice]

dont you want a cooler engine?? more air in each cylinder = power!! hehe....i know for a fact that my car runs way better wiith much better throttle response and take off at night than during the day

[punter]

Originally Posted by rice

dont you want a cooler engine?? more air in each cylinder = power!! hehe....i know for a fact that my car runs way better wiith much better throttle response and take off at night than during the day

Yes cold air is good, but a cold engine is not if an engine is not up to temp. the clearancens on the bearings are wrong (since things expand when hot) and will wear much faster also if the oil is to cold it won't be doing its joB.

[SR5_4WD]

any car doesnt run as well toward the cold side, right in the middle is the optimum running temp. Now air temp is a whole different story!