Overheating issue - I am stumped!

[tucsonjwt]

I am assuming that the thermostat is open when checking the thermostat housing with an infra red thermometer. Removing the thermostat is not a bad idea to eliminate the thermostat element from the equation.

I got a compact Craftsman infra red thermometer for about $25 from Sears. Harbor Freight has full size thermometers for about the same price, but I think the quality might be questionable. I use that thermometer several times per year on one thing or another.

Checking temperature on various parts of the engine gives you an idea of where the problem might be. I think the exhaust manifolds and heads will always be hotter.

[Mattchu60]

Well I took the thermostat out this morning of the engine. Ran it and the temp hardly gets over 150 degrees on both my laptop and also on the guage. This means to me I have an issue with air pockets in the engine or the T-stats (2) i have had are not working correctly. GOing to boil a T-stat in water today and see what happens.

I think my plan now is to drill a small hole in the T-stat to vent air and see if it helps.

[Mattchu60]

Tested the T-stat in hot water, it opens/closes like I think it should (opens in boiling, closes when removed from the hot water).

If its not an air pocket, I'm lost. I would think the air pockets would have worked out in 200 miles of driving, but not sure. Has heater hoses hooked up so it should have a bypass with that.