Thread: Too Cold

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I got my 59 Vette with a 350 out of 2 year storage. After minor tune-up it seems to run fine, but it is running cold (130-140). I checked the dash-gauge with a radiator cap with a built-in gauge...same reading. While I haven't taken it on a long trip it seems to be getting much worse gas-mileage than before it went into storage. While I don't believe anything was done to the carb while it was in storage, could both problems be related to it running much too rich?

My guess would be the thermostat has went south.......

I agree with ShawnLee, put a new stat in and you should get temp and better mileage, too. Did you put a fuel stabilizer in before you stored it for two years, or maybe disconnected the fuel line and let it run the carb dry?

That's the first thing I did, a new 195 degree thermostat, no effect.

You are correct, in that I should have put in a stabilizer, but I had no idea it was going to be 2 years. But it actually idled and ran okay and I've been through several tanks of gas since getting it on the road again.

Originally Posted by Tedebeer

That's the first thing I did, a new 195 degree thermostat, no effect.

I know it's a hassle, but I'd probably pull the t-stat and put it in a pan of water on the stove with a good thermometer (like a candy thermometer) and heat it up towards boiling to see where it opens. It may be bad.

And if you're not going to rebuild the carb at least run a couple bottles of carb cleaner through it. I prefer Lucas, others may not.

Thanks for the tip on the Lucas, I'll try that first. If that doesn't work I'll get to know what my Edelbrock looks like when it's spread out on my workbench.