I went for a drive tonite..hwy speeds for about 25 min straight..and my temp gauge was basically at the bottom...like if had been sitting overnight not running..in the morning i let in run for ten minutes to warm it up and about a minute or 2 after driving the temp drops low..what is cauiseing this and is it bad for my engine?

 

Don't be so trusting that the stock gauge is giving you an accurate reading.

With that said, if you're getting normal readings while idling but it drops back down while driving, it's possible your thermostat is stuck open, allowing the radiator to cool the coolant without restriction, and in this cool weather, it can do that pretty efficiently. Does your heater work? It's not the end of the world, but it's still not good for the motor.

 

Sounds like your due for a thermostat replacement. There is a way to check the accuracy of your gauge, i found mine reads about 20* hotter then where the sensor is. i used a laser/infared head gun to determin this.

As far as the engine goes, an engine is built with tolerances made to come into the right place when the motor is warm. So running it cold really isnt too good for it.

Steve

 

running an engine cold and hard will cause warping of the block eventually so you should get that fixed asap.

 

thanks for the replies..what do i ask for at the autozone..thermosat sensor?and wher is it located to install thanks

 

dude, just ask for a thermastat for a 1985(?) Chevy Camaro with a tbi 5.0 and theyll tell you what temps they have, get a 180 or a 190 and get a new seal for it, its like $7 or something, installing it is easy, you should get a chiltons car care manual while your there, its well worth it

 

the thermostat housing is on the front of the engine, get a 180 stat and a new gasket around $6 total also pick up a gallon of anti freeze while you are there, because you will loose some when you change the stat

 

I'm pret-ty sure he's got it figured out by now, a year later...

 

You think?

 

my mistake i didn't notice the date sorry