I bought a new thermostat that is suppose to open at 160. I installed it and drove 2 miles on residential streets the highest the needle got was just under half. Then I shut it off. When I got out of work with outside temp at 87 degrees here in Texas I drove on the highway and temp rose gradually to a little under 260, then it went down to just over the quarter line and stayed. Is that normal? The thermostat is Mr.gasket.

 

Did you refill the system ALL the way after installing and then again after the test drive. Also you may want to install an autometer temp gauge so you know exactly what temp your at.

 

No... didn't think I had to. I checked the radiator and it was filled, the water in the intake was to the top. I do want an autometer though. Any suggestions?

 

id suggest getting rid of the 160* tstat, you dont want less that a 180* on a street driven car. having one too low will cause cylinder wear...

you need to make sure the system is full and free of air. are you having any overheating issues?

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto+Meter/105/6137/10002/-1

this is what I have, works perfect, no going up and down like the stock gauge B.S.

 

Sounds like a possible air bubble in the system.

With the engine cold, start up the car and open the radiator cap. Let it warm up for a minute two with the cap off. Then fill the radiator all the way to the top. Make sure the overflow is filled to correct level as well. Put the cap back on. Shut off the engine.

 

Thank for your help everyone. I bought a gauge kit. Going to try to hook it up tomorrow without messing with any of the stock gauges. Can I mount the new temp senderto the thermostat water neck

 

Dont do that.

 

I don't know where to put it. I don't want to mess with the original sender becuase the ecu. Or the mechanical oil gauge that came in the kit

 

Could be a lazy thermostat. To check, start it up after it has cooled down and let it idle. When you are around 160 feel the upper hose to see if it flemsy still, or warm and has pressure. If its pressurized/hot, the thermostat is open. Still flemsy and its not open yet.