ZZ502 Engine Cooling Help

[Lynn]

Seems lately that quality control on auto parts (at least for me) has been a crap shoot.
Just a few examples; brand new Tstat that would not open properly, mechanical fuel pumps (multiple) with WAY too high pressure, pressure sending switches that made the gauge read way low, and a temp sender that made the gauge read low.

All in the last three years.

First lesson, don't trust anything without testing it these days. I would test that switch in the kitchen, in had water using an accurate cooking thermometer.

With all of that being said, in the cold winter temps, the engine temp may not be exceeding 180. Also, just because the Tstat is rated 180, doesn't mean it isn't opening at 175 or there abouts. If you are driving around (with air moving throught the radiator) in frigid temps, you may not be exceedng 180, let alone the 200 needed to start the fans; the electric fans will not kick on at all.

If you are sitting idling, I would think the temp would eventually start to climb. Watch your temp gauge.