Even after the car idles for 20 min the temp gauges NEVER goes above 160. If I remember even when I had 160 thermo in the past it still read a little higher from time to time. Plus the heater does blow heat. Could the gauge be broken completely? It does move....just not much. Thanks.

 

Compare the reading on the gauge to the reading on a scanner. That will compare the gauge sensor in the head to the PCM sensor in the water pump housing.

If you have a 160deg t'stat, is should not even start to open until the coolant reaches 160deg, and be fully open when the coolant reaches 180deg.

 

I had the same exact problem, and the cause was that the previous owner had the cluster out/apart and when he reassembled it, the needle was pinched under the plastic stop. I just pulled the cluster out and reassembled the correct way being careful to not pinch any of the needles and all was well. hope this helps.

 

I have never taken apart the gauge cluster of one of these before? You can pull the needles off and re-attach them? Any how to's? LOL

 

Testing info for the sensor and gauge.

 

Your thermostat might be stuck open.

 

I am going to try a new thermostat tongiht.

Wow RE, you really brought that car a long way. Very, very nice!

Reminds me of my old red one