The different methods of getting from here to there are interesting if you stop and consider them. In the end most will get you to the same place but reminds me of how many ways there are to see or interpret things the customer says. Not saying other ways of seeing things is wrong just saying more than 1 way to skin a cat for sure.
Original facts = engine temp does not rise above 140* when on the road.
Info added = Gauge agrees with secondary devise or a pyro reading, at idle temp will rise to 180/200.
Desired outcome = temp reaches 180 quickly on start up and lives on the t-stat or does not overheat.
I see this as a shop would. I want to meet desired outcome and get paid for
all my work. I have no additional info other than what is stated above and was told to fix it. I perform test that is quick and isolates component. I get paid for testing time and too confirm what parts if any are needed. I think it is probably an open t-stat or even a missing t-stat but if I just replace it and am wrong I eat labor and the part costs plus still have to perform the diagnostics.
There are still other possible causes or ways to defeat the system but all will show up as coolant temp not having a hot/cold side at the t-stat.
Not to confuse this thread I started another at
http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthre...threadid=96118 How many ways can you think of