m1028 cold

[Dave87]

Ok here is the problem, my truck will not warm up to an operating temp I'd like to see. I bought the truck drove it for two weeks found it didn't get very warm like 130 deg. So to fix the problem I purchased a hockey Puck thermostat, 195 if I remember correctly. It seemed. To warm up more in 80 deg weather but now that its 30 it wont warm up at all. Now I put cardboard in front of grill and ill let it warm up to 130 and drive somewhere, it cools down. I'm a bit lost. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[RetiredNavy]

Did you check the thermostat in a pan of hot water to see if it opened? A person can get a defective one even if it is new.

 

[bshupe]

Did you check the thermostat in a pan of hot water to see if it opened? A person can get a defective one even if it is new.

If it wasnt opening wouldnt that make it run too hot?

 

[det rebel]

yea but they can also get stuck open

 

[ken]

I have the same problem with my 82 K20 with a 6.2 I have replaced thermostats and it still ran cold. I installed a ball valve in the heater hose return to the rad. To throttle back the flow. The engine then warmed right up to 180. Before that i froze by butt off in cold weather.

 

[RetiredNavy]

I forgot last night to also mention what det rebel also said. Some units are defective. I like Ken's idea about the ball valve.

 

[biggestc69]

I had the same problem. Last week I installed a new thermostat and so far it's working good. Fingers crossed!

 

[islandguydon]

Holland Mi, I would do a flush and fill of the radiator fluid and replace the thermostat with an OEM from the dealership. Mine from Hostler GMC cost $59.99 and I have had no problems since. The Chinese makes them and auto zone sells these cheap ones that work when they want to. Plus the flush will help with the heater core. Thats my 2 cents. BTW Nice truck......

 

[Dave87]

I did a flush and the thermostat wasn't cheap but maybe I didn't spend enough. Thanks for the advice. I really don't wanna take it all apart cus I just did it and I kills me to do stuff over and over. Maybe next weekend I'm camping this weekend so the cardboard in front of radiator with have to do for now.

 

[det rebel]

stupid question but have you checked to make sure the gauge is right best way would be to use a Ir thermometer ( non contact ) i have had that problem to but mine was the other way got hot in like 20 sec

 

[Dave87]

Islandguydon I'm assuming the nice truck was for me, thank you. I would love to get all the Michigan guys together for a u.p. run or something. Anyway Thanks again.

 

[Dave87]

I didn't do the ir check, I have one at work I should bring that home. I didn't think of that, good call. I did the hand test. One hand on the radiator hose, not super hot but hotish.

 

[rlwm211]

The Military utilized a winter front to reduce the amount of cold air entering the radiator so the engine would operate at the proper temperature.

The diesel engine works best when the temperature is at the design temperature for operation namely around 195 degrees and even hotter.

NOS winter fronts are available but hard to find. Jatonka has sold a bunch of his reproduction winter fronts to folks with this problem.

Here is the link if you want to see one .


WWW.jatonkam35s.com

 

[Dave87]

Yea the winter front is on my wish list. Its not at the top cus I don't drive my truck in the winter. Ill get one maybe next year I know theyre not to expensive, just need to take the time and order one up. The cardboard was a cheap experiment. I have the whole front covered and the truck will reach 140 I think. Thanks for the link. I love the help I get here.

 

[mudman]

Cardboard man...it's your best friend in the winter!!!