Anyone know why it take so long for my E150 (302) to heat up during the winter months? After 20 minutes (at an idle) warming up, the engine never goes above the first slash mark on the normal line. Under a load it still doesn't go much higher. The thermostat was tested good, water pump is new. Front heater core supplies whatever heat the engine produces (not much) and the rear heater core produces slightly warm heat (even at 195 degrees). I know I have issues with the rear heat but why won't the engine heat up!?!? It's a freshly rebuilt motor.... I don't understand!?!?!?!?! Help

 

I wonder if it could be the gauge ?

 

No dice, the gauge works.... Using cardboard I was able to get the thermostat to open at 195. I checked it using a laser heat thermometer, dunno what the technical term if for it but we seen the thermostat open.... The gauge arm was on the "R" for normal.

 

on my old van [87] i used to pull the fan off in the winter never had a problem overheating even in stop & go i had the in line 6

 

The weathers been in the single digits lately, the other day I added straight antifreeze to top off the radiator. The ol girl still takes some time to heat up but I got it up to the O on Normal. If this weather keeps up I may have to remove that fan. Thanks for the info.

 

leave the cardboard in between the radiator and grill and drive it , works like a cold front and is cheap,when it warms up, take it out, bob

 

Thanks, I haven't gotten to work on anything these days. Been really busy with the house and all. Someone mentioned to me that it could be a timing issue, have you heard of that???

 

that wouldnt affect the heat in the cab , which is thermostaticaly controlled ,bob