OK, I just replaced my blown up 1999 block with a brand-spanking new 2000 shortblock. It seems that my temp gauge, which always stuck straight up at 210, is now pointing straight at the "2" in "210"?????

I don't know if that's cuz the engine is actually running cooler (I know temps have been low but I don't think that's the cause) or the sensor is more/less accurate (new sensor came with the block)...

No real question, just a comment on an observation.

 

That doesn't sound like much difference. Might be the weather. Might be the sensor. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

if it were a real-life working sensor, it wouldn't make a difference. no matter what the weather, before the car would always heat up to that middle mark (and beyond, but that's a different topic)

I'm not worried, I just thought it was interesting, and was wondering what the cause might be.

 

The 2000 cars have a 180 thermostat and the 98-99 have a 195...that is if you changed your thermostat housing with the new engine.

Brad

 

Nope, I'm using the 160 thermostat.....

 

Is the fact that it's winter now have any effect? <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0">

 

"if it were a real-life working sensor, it wouldn't make a difference. no matter what the weather"

I don't understand what you mean here. If the weather is cooler, your cooling system will be able to maintain temperatures closer to the rating of the thermostat than if the weather is warmer. I too use 160 degree thermos and have always found this to be the case.