360 won't warm up

[knucklebuster]

Hey gents, here is my problem. I have a 72 f-250 with the stock FE360 in it, and I can't get it up to normal operating temp. Outside temp is 10-30 F. I fugured the truck had no thermostat, but it did. Replaced it anyhow with an oem 195 deg thermostat. Refilled the system, checked for leaks, purged any air out, and still, the engine does not warm up. Tried the cardboard over the radiator trick also. The gauge is working, and I can tell the engine isn't hot from feeling it. Any ideas??

[fordman]

is the cooling system circulating? can you see the water flowing when the thermostat opens?

[knucklebuster]

It appears to be, yes. The upper and lower radiator hoses warm up also (not as warm as they should).

[fordman]

i wonder if the block need flushed out.

[convincor]

you test the new t-stat before you put it in?
you will get flow thru the system via the bypass tube but you should still be able to get the temp up..
whats the timing set at?

[knucklebuster]

I should have tested the new thermostat first. However, it is acting exactly the same as the original thermostat, and that wasn't stuck open. The gauge reads 100 deg or so. The timing was set to 14 or so, but it didn't run great, so I just set it by ear and it runs good.

[convincor]

try bringing the timing back to 8 or 10 degrees.

[knucklebuster]

Timing fixed it. Warmed right up, and ran better. I must have screwed the timing up last time I did it. Thanks

[BobbyFord]

Hell, I was going to suggest moving...BRRRR!!

[taylor351]

30 would be a heat wave here.


Keith