Cold running 911
 

Maybe this isn't a problem, but need to check, here's the deal: My stock '82 SC, which ran hot when I got it last summer, now is cold. I changed to carrera cooler,(no fan), and tuned everything to spec including mixture, car runs like a scalded banshee, but since the temp here cooled down to 40's or 50's, therm to front cooler doesn't even open after half hour drive and temp barely reaches bottom of first thin white line on guage,(90deg.C). I think I need that thing open to accurately check oil level, no? I also removed AC compressor and rear condensor, so I've got God knows how many CFM of cold air getting sucked through fan and blowing on motor. Am I worrying for nothing? Is this normal? Once again, car is running like a raped ape.

Speeder, mines acts about the same in cold weather.
As long as it's reachine 180deg I wouldn' think that there is any problem with it.

I don't think there is anything that says that the aux. thermostat must be open for the car to be at safe operating temps.

maybe some others can shed some light on the subject.

i have the same problem here in the uk with my 86 coupe.

under normal driving the ext. thermostat never opens. this is ok, but you should change oil regular (3,000 miles) because of condensation build up etc.

if you leave the car idling at a stand still it should take 20 to 30 min for the gauge to reach 2nd line and thermostat to open.

richard:D

merry christmas!!

now i have time for some of those jobs..........

Denis,
It was 35-40 degrees the evening I took the Blue Bomber out before changing her oil for winter. An hour-long drive had the temp needle exactly where you say yours is. That is where I saw it all last winter too. I only have the stock loop cooler. I'd say all this is normal.

After a drive, place your fingers on the oil lines at the front cooler. If they're hot, the t-stat is opening.

Thanks for response guys. It makes sense that auxiliary cooler isn't needed in colder weather, just mostly concerned about checking oil level and is oil getting hot enough to burn off carbons, or whatever it's supposed to be doing, (to itself that is). I guess that engine-mounted oil cooler works pretty well in this weather.

Doug, yeah I pull in a gas station after half-hour, tubes cold going to front.