car runs too cold

[spankle my wankle]

My first gen barely gets above the second marking by the C when it runs or even idles. I've changed the thermostat and that didnt work. Im wondering why this could be. I know the gauge works because I didnt have enough coolant in it and it went up towards the H. Its an odd problem to have but I need it to run a little hotter so I can tune it and it will idle better. Any advise? Thanks.

[PercentSevenC]

The stock gauge usually reads low, you need an aftermarket one to see what the temp really is. In the meantime just check if the uppper rad hose is getting nice and hot.

[Rogue_Wulff]

Originally Posted by PercentSevenC

The stock gauge usually reads low, you need an aftermarket one to see what the temp really is. In the meantime just check if the uppper rad hose is getting nice and hot.

Truer words cannot be said......
Stock gauges aren't known for being very accurate. Especially if sealer has been used on the sender.

[fire85gslse]

Correct, get you a good gauge and put it in the center console clock hole if your in a 84/85.
As for making it hotter with a carb setup i would not worry too much about it.
Make sure you ave a good thermostat, good 50/50 mix of antifreeze and rock on. My old gsl-se would only run 1/4 on the temp and that was running it hard and wide open. Even then with the FI it ran good and the motor loved being cooler.