Engine runs cold

[eugenel]

Weird issue I haven't seen described.

Engine starts right up and runs fine, no issues with cooling but I'm concerned on the varying temps I'm running....

On very hot days if it sits idling it will eventually overheat, I have been careful not to let it overheat but the fan turns on fine at about 230F... which is a bit high in my mind, and the temperature continues to rise... Blasting the heater helps or actually moving solves the problem entirely. This doesn't really bother me as it never actually overheats.

BUT, if I'm moving at all, it'll run in the 120F range.... Even doing 10 mph for hours on end on a hot day.

On a cold day, in the 60's range, the needle will never go beyond ~180 even if it sits and idles all day long, but if moving it'll drop all the way to the bottom...

Just bought the car recently, I'm more worried about the temperature being all over and never staying in the same range than I am worried about it overheating. Is this normal?

[focodave]

When you say it "overheats", do you mean that it actually boils over -- or are you saying that your temp gauge is indicating an overheat condition?
Are you sure the gauge is working properly?
With it fluctuating the way you describe, it almost sounds like a temp gauge/sending unit issue rather than a mechanical problem.
You first need a way to measure the actual temperature with something other than the factory temp gauge, in order to confirm whether the temp gauge is working properly.

[eugenel]

Sensor is brand new, I bought a new one because I thought it wasn't working then realized the wire on it was simply broken off. Replaced it anyway. Have 2 gauges that are showing the same behavior.

Its not actually boiling over, I watch my temperature too much because its concerning me. As soon as I'll see it hit the red, I'll run it up and down the street to cool off and then turn it off. I'm pretty certain it'll overheat if I leave it running.

Doesn't seem like a sender unit either, its too consistent.

[azruss]

check your thermostadt first. sounds like it may be stuck half open. Also, a weak water pump or dirty radiator can cause your overheating when sitting still. dont rule out the gage issue as it can read high if your ground isnt top notch. The reading can change depending on other electrical draws. (mine goes up 10 degrees when i turn my lights on)

[eugenel]

My electrical is a mess beyond belief. Blinkers don't work, most of the lights don't work, I wouldn't put it past a terrible ground. I also have a bunch of radioshack switches that were thrown on the panel that don't make any friggin sense. I'm planning on diving into that mess today.

Thermostat stuck half open was my first guess, have more important things to fix first though.

[barnesjtsl]

Check your thermostat orientation. If I'm not mistaken you should be able blow freely through the water pump and top of the engine portions of the thermostat and not be able to blow through the flow from the bottom of the radiator when cold.

Also regarding electrical. Make sure that your ground from engine to frame is clean, or you may ruin your clutch cable. I have added a second cable such as the one linked below between the engine and the frame on the passanger side front. I'm convinced that made a difference is some electrical issues I was having a few years ago.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bat ... tedIndex=0

[brackie1]

Also check to make sure correct wires are going to correct sensors that are mounted between the cam covers. Sometimes they get moved. Mine did. Also would not hurt to burp it with the heater cocks open and front end elevated.