Is my thermostat shot?

[BikerGran]

I have a 6 mile run to work and today I started at 0700 - it was cold!

The engine didn't get up to its usual (ie summer) temp on the gauge, and was very slow to warm up. Does this suggest my thermostat is stuck open, or is it fairly usual?

[MG MAL]

Sounds pretty normal to me.
My Td estate's needle wont start to move untill I have done at least 4 miles (moderate to heavy pedal).
Mind you, in this colder weather, I always try to let it idle for ten minutes or so before setting off, to give it a head start.

(I should add, that mine had a new thermostat fitted at the end of last winter, when I changed the stat to heater pipe hose.)

Mal.

[Diesel Phil]

It sounds like a thermostat to me. I had a Mini that did that for a bit, until I swapped the thermostat.

My Maestro runs cold almost all the time, It warms up on the motorway,. and can get above normal in traffic. The rad is in need of a flush.
I therefore intend to flush the rad, refill and check the thermostat. I suggest you do too.

To check the 'stats operation, remove it and heat it in a oan of water. It should open before the water boils. If the water reaches boiling and nothing happens, the stat is stuck. You probably need a (paper) gasket to refit.

Diesel Phil

[rpcee]

I have a 6 mile run to work and today I started at 0700 - it was cold!

The engine didn't get up to its usual (ie summer) temp on the gauge, and was very slow to warm up. Does this suggest my thermostat is stuck open, or is it fairly usual?
mine did something similar til I changed the thermostat, but it the temp. gauge was inconsistent and rarely reached mid way in the summer either (accompanied by no heater). Now it's fine reaching midway even with frost outside reasonably quickly, (3 miles).