93 X takes forever to warm up in the winter

[bnichols04]

My 93 X takes forever to warm up in the winter. What can cause this? I was thinking to first to try the raidaor flush and if it not that I will try the thermostat. Anny Ideas?

 

[Purdue72]

Thats the first thing I would do.

 

[bnichols04]

do you think that it could be more serious than that? I thought it was just getting old or something but I thought I should do those things first to see. What should I do if it is not the raidor or the thremostat?

 

[Purdue72]

I'm no expert, but I know a fair amount. I always try to start with the simple and less expensive stuff and go from there. Most of the time with cooling systems, in my experience, it's always been the stat, cruddy fluid or a bad radiator cap, I guess I've been lucky. Now, where my knowledge fades and where others on this site might be more helpful is when you get into the computer sensors. Even if the flush and stat replacement don't fix your problem, it certainly will not hurt, it's just good maintanence.

I wish you luck.

 

[COBRA]

It's probably your thermostat stuck part open.

 

[X~FACTOR]

What do you mean forever? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? I know with the temperature just below freezing mark, it would take 5 minutes for the temp needle to start creeping up to the "C" line. You want faster than that then you would have to start driving SLOWLY right after starting the truck.

 

[bnichols04]

Oh I thought it was just mine that took like 10 minutes to warm up. Is it hard to do a change the radior fluid and the thremostat. Where is the stat located? Would it be worth it doing it myself or haveing a pro do it?

 

[EBInterceptor]

What kind of oil are you using? I run 5w30 and it warms quicker than a 10w30...

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by bnichols04
Is it hard to do a change the radior fluid and the thremostat. Where is the stat located? Would it be worth it doing it myself or haveing a pro do it?

Not hard at all. Since you sound like you are new at this maintenance stuff, it might be a good idea to get yourself a Chilton Book or something similar at any auto parts store like Pep Boys. Locate where everything is and go from there. Good luck!

 

[Siekyre]

I have the same problem, well I don't think of it as problem, as it gets warm enough to put out some heat from the heater. I end up using the grill inserts that were on the truck when I first bought it. Even with those on it, the needle will barely get into the normal zone on the temp gauge when sitting and idling, but move the truck and it instantly drops back out. I have done the stat change and flush job, even replaced the sender. I do run 10w30, not 5w30, but I don't think that would make a huge difference, considering my drive to work is 30 minutes and its still in the cold zone when I get there. I don't know whatelse to do.

 

[unclemeat]

If it is the thermostat the truck will run cold, check the gage. If the thermostat is suspect it should be checked and changed imediately. Running the engine cold for extended periods may damage it. If the engine is running at temperature and you are not getting heat it is most likely a heater core problem. If the thermostat is not the cause it may be the fan clutch. Proper engine temperature is essential for gas mileage, engine life and driver comfort.

 

[MotorCityMike]

Sounds like a bad fan clutch to me.