I have a 1.9L engine and it isn't heating well. The problem is the engine won't get to Normal on the temperature gauge. I figured since it was an older vehicle it needed a new thermostat. I replaced it tongiht and it did the same silly thing. Any one have any suggestions on what it could be?
I can get the temp in the Normal area of the gague by sitting at a high idle (3000 RPM) and sitting for about 5 mintues. I take it out on the road and it cools back down to where the needle is below normal. I need help! It is cold in Wisconsin!!!!

 

I tried to replace the t-stat in my 94 2.3L truck, but I had to give up on that thought. I would get the radiator cap tested. If it doesn't hold pressure, you obviously won't get a temp increase, either.

My truck will warm up eventually, but idles crummy at cold start-up and smells a little rich. My t-stat checked out okay, btw....temp gauge works, but doesn't move muh past the left "\" mark well to the left of "NORMAL".

 

Is it the 1.9 in an escort? With mine, the coolant change, and t-stat fixed it. The only real way to know if it is underheating, or if the gague is just off a little is to put an aftermarket water temp gauge in.

 

I had the same problem with my 1991 2.3 just the other day. I changed the t-stat and it was the same, I tryied a new cap and it solved the problem