4.3 volvo water temp

[now151]

i just installed new thermostat and o ring on my 4.3 . exspecting the temp to stay constant around 160 degrees but it doesn't. it stays around 100 so does anyone know what else to look for other than maybe bad themostat?

 

[dubs283]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

check the operation of the guage by grounding/applying 12 volts to the sender end of the wire

check the temp of the sender with a temp gun to verifiy actual engine temp

 

[now151]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

replaced temp gauge and put water temp sender in water on stove to check ohm reading . started at 900 cold and dropped to 225 ohms by the time a mechanical temp gauge was reading 160 degrees. the new gauge reads 100 degrees on the engine and i hardly feel any more heat than that when placing my hand on the thermostat housing. its almost like theres no thermostat in at all. but i double checked the o ring and the thermostat was in there just fine. maybe i need to do the same check on the stove with the new themostat just to make sure its not defective.

 

[now151]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

grounded the wire from the water temp sender to engine block and it pegged the temp gauge.

 

[CobiaXL]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

Sounds like thermostat is stuck open.

 

[stu man do]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

This happens on my 4.3 VP. I had a impeller lose a few fins and they block the bypass hole/hoses on the top of the thermostat housing. I usually have to take off the housing and make sure all the holes are clear. I have changed the stat a few times as well. I just did it before winterizing and was able to get both engines up to 160 degrees.
Hope this helps.

 

[now151]

Re: 4.3 volvo water temp

there were very small pieces stuck on the thermos seat. i could barely see light through the crack but it was enough to keep temp down.