Tahoe not getting to running temp??

[Waterfoul]

Noticed on the way in this morning that the temp gauge on my 98 Tahoe 5.7 Vortec 4x4 wasn't getting over about 150 degrees.  To the best of my memory I thought it usually ran at about 200 degrees.  I get heat from the heater... just like normal.  T-stat issue?  Don't smell antifreeze running or at rest.  Doesn't appear to be leaking anything anywhere.

Thoughts??

[karol]

 fluid level ok? i know on my older pick up it has a slow leak sometimes. just a thought about that. might be this colder weather could  be the cause too.
if you keep it inside check where you parked it to see if there's any fluid under it.  don't let your dog drink it cause it'll send him to the big tree in the sky.

[Waterfoul]

Checked the "overflow" jug under the hood just a few minutes ago.  It's at the "cold" line... right where it should be because it is cold out!  Didn't see anything under the truck this morning when I moved it to blow out the driveway.

No dog, so no worries.

[Redbone]

I'm guessing that its your temp gage/sensor on your engine.

[Waterfoul]

Great, moved to where it won't be seen by anyone.

Thanks to the guys who answered before it was moved. 

[mikesmiph]

I see it

[Wolverines]

This definately isn't something I know a ton about, but if you weren't getting heat like normal I'd say start with replacing the T-stat.  Happened to me once and that fixed it.  Since you say the heats fine, I'd chalk it up to it being F'n cold outside!!!  Temp pry goes up when it idles I bet.  I'd think cruisen down the road in these temps are gonna make it run a little cooler.  Now when they run hot, thats what freaks me out 

[Cy]

Hey,

Like we discussed earlier...replace the thermostat on it.  This normally occurs when the 'stat sticks open or cycles slowly.  If you need help let me know.

Cy

[Waterfoul]

Cy, it will be parked in front of my store all day tomorrow.  Take care of it will ya?  LOL!!

Didn't have a chance to take a look at the t-stat housing... is there a bunch of other things I need to remove to get at it??

[Cy]

There shouldn't be too much stuff in the way.  It should be right on top in the front.  Should be two bolts, take it out, clean up the gasket surfaces, slap on a new gasket and thermostat and bolt it back on.

[Redbone]

+1

[Skulley]

So your fluid is up to level.  It could also be your radiator cap.  If the cap is not keeping the system under pressure properly, you will lose heat there too.  Replace that as well as your thermostat and you should have it.  I have always made it a habit to replace the radiator cap when replacing a thermostat.  Just recently I had the same problem on my 03 Dodge Truck.  The whole system is pressurized on that vehicle as well as the overflow bottle.  I discovered that the bottle had a seam leak around the cap area.  I didn't lose any coolant but the system did not stay pressurized while running.  The vehicle ran cool and I wasn't getting enough heat.  Changing the cap may be the ticket here.  Shouldn't cost you over 5 or 6 bucks for one.  If that doesn't work, then I would say Cy is correct about the thermostat.  Worked in the engine cooling lab at Chrysler for the first 8 years of my career there.  The most common solution to your problem was the radiator cap.  After the cooling lab I spent a few years in NVH or Noise Vibration and Harshness.  Now I work in the ride and handling group or Core Vehicle Dynamics Lab. I will have 26 years there come March 11, 2011.  My whole time at Chrysler has been in Engineering in the Labs. 

Good luck and let me know how it goes. 


BD                           

[Cy]

That is a very good point BD!  I meant mention the cap when I was talking to Mike on phone.  I completely agree...start with the cap...no tools required!

Cy