I wasn't sure if this is an engine or electrical problem so I'll start here. I have a 82 280zx 2+2. runs and drives great, no problems there. There is only one problem that I have been having lately. With motor running, I have never seen my water temperature gauge go anywhere near the middle where it should be. It only goes up a little bit from the 120 mark. The gauge seems to be accurate, the motor never actually get hot, it only get somewhat warm. My heater just barely gets warm, even after car has been running for hours. Any thoughts on this? I was thinking maybe the thermostat is stuck open or something, this car did sit for a couple of years before I got it. I will post a pic later of water temp gauge with car running so you guys can see where it's at.

Edited January 9, 201213 yr by p_trice

On 2/9/2017 at 8:39 PM, Patcon said:

Lots of people think no thermostat is the way to go, but engineers are smarter than most people give them credit for...

At least some are...

By the looks of the color in the housing you could use some good antifreeze in it too, to prevent the block from rusting...

yea good call... i'll add that to the list.

and i appreciate the engineering comment (I'm a mechanical engineer)

Car is heavier now so you might think about adding more HP.

A warm engine is a happy engine.....

Car is heavier now so you might think about adding more HP.
A warm engine is a happy engine.....

Yea good call... lot heavier now with the thermostat and horns I just installed too... definitely dragging me down


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7 hours ago, FunkytownZ said:

and i appreciate the engineering comment (I'm a mechanical engineer)

That's funny! A lot of guys here are, my poke at them...

6 hours ago, gnosez said:

A warm engine is a happy engine.....

Bang bang, Vroom vroom?