I got an odd problem.. My new motor is not warming up to full operating temp.. After a full half hour of running, temp never went past 130 degrees..

I got a 180 stat, stock rad and a flex fan..

I have the gauge in the driver side head

Have you tried another gauge? Another thermostat?

Are you sure you have enough water in it? and there is no air bubbles trapped inside? The gauge won't give you the accurate temp if it is not in water. Sounds like it's a faulty thermostat, not closing.

Funny you should mention this problem as the same thing is happening to me. I thought it might be the thermostat so I changed it and my car still doesn't get past 140 degrees after driving it around town for 5 - 10 minutes. Not sure what to do at this point but would be interested in hearing from other guys on what they think it might be as well.

Check your temp gauge....
hold in a jug of water with ground wire and temp wire attached then boil up the jug with a thermometer in it.

Check your temp gauge....
hold in a jug of water with ground wire and temp wire attached then boil up the jug with a thermometer in it.
Steps - I know the temp guage works since its the same one that showed my car at 230 when it overheated while I was running the electric fans. Hmmmm, not sure how to proceed at this point :confused:

Is the head a good location for the unit? Or does it make a difference at all where it is?

The drivers side head is a perfectly good position for your temp sender. How cold is it when this issue occurs? I ask because I had the same issue and it was because the cooling system is too efficient. During cold weather I take a piece of cardboard that leaves about 2" at the top and about 1 1/4" on each side of the core. This allows the car to heat up and it runs at 185* with a 180* stat. Just a thought.

The drivers side head is a perfectly good position for your temp sender. How cold is it when this issue occurs? I ask because I had the same issue and it was because the cooling system is too efficient. During cold weather I take a piece of cardboard that leaves about 2" at the top and about 1 1/4" on each side of the core. This allows the car to heat up and it runs at 185* with a 180* stat. Just a thought.Now thats a great idea, I remember when we use to race shifter karts and had to keep them at a good steady temperature we would use duck tape and block off parts of the radiator core... But cardboard sounds like it cant hurt.

I put new gauges in the car, and it was a little off.. It is 75 degrees here. New autometer is saying 155-160... That is still too cold isnt it? Is that ok for the engine?

I put new gauges in the car, and it was a little off.. It is 75 degrees here. New autometer is saying 155-160... That is still too cold isnt it? Is that ok for the engine?

I think that is to cold. If most of your driving is short jonts and around town to the local cruise your engine doesn't have enough time to heat up and burn the moisture out of the oil. Causing sludge build up. Try a 195 stat. I had a 180* stat but my system also ran less than that. Put in a new 195 but still only runs about 190*. I am running the Entropy BB radiator with dual elec. fans, 195* stat, Weind water pump and Autometer guage.

Well i just tossed the flex fan and went to AutoZone and picked up a stock 18" fan and Heavy Duty Thermal Clutch. Its running warmer now. About 180.. I might try removing the Mr.Gasket 180 high flow stat and put in a stock type 180 and see what that does...