2000 S-10 4.3L running cold

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Brian Jones - 17 Dec 2004 23:10 GMT

A couple weeks ago my 200 4.3L s-10 started running colder than usual. It
was running around 200, but it sits at 175 all of the time now. I've also
noticed my gas mileage has dropped about 5mpg too.

What could be causing this the Truck as 58K on it and has been well
maintained since I bought it 43K ago. Is it something as simple as the
thermostat? The heater still pumps out plenty of heat too.

Thanks

Reply to this Message

Whitelightning - 18 Dec 2004 02:45 GMT

> A couple weeks ago my 200 4.3L s-10 started running colder than usual. It
> was running around 200, but it sits at 175 all of the time now. I've also
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thanks

Sure sounds like a stuck open thermostat. And if she doesn't reach proper
operating temp, she stays in Open Loop and your fuel mileage takes a dump.
When an S-10 with a V-6 is at operating temp, the heater wont blow plenty of
heat, it will drive you out of the cab lol.
Whitelightning

Reply to this Message

Chevy Guy - 21 Dec 2004 00:20 GMT

Whitelighting has a point. I have a 97 S-10 with a 4.3, after the truck is
fully warmed up and your driving it, you cant leave the floor setting on too
long, otherwise it starts to burn your feet, atleast it does on my truck
anyway. I don't complain about the amount of heat it puts out, I just wish
it would warm up quicker. Its been between -5 to 13 degrees Fahrenheit here.
Coldddddddddddd I think I might put some cardboard in front of the radiator.

>> A couple weeks ago my 200 4.3L s-10 started running colder than usual. It
>> was running around 200, but it sits at 175 all of the time now. I've also
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> heat, it will drive you out of the cab lol.
> Whitelightning

Reply to this Message

\ - 21 Dec 2004 00:46 GMT

> Whitelighting has a point. I have a 97 S-10 with a 4.3, after the truck is
> fully warmed up and your driving it, you cant leave the floor setting on
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Fahrenheit here. Coldddddddddddd I think I might put some cardboard in
> front of the radiator.

You might find her overheating once she gets up to temp if you get stuck in
traffic unless you leave a nice hole in the middle of the cardboard.

Doc

>>> A couple weeks ago my 200 4.3L s-10 started running colder than usual.
>>> It
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>> heat, it will drive you out of the cab lol.
>> Whitelightning

Reply to this Message

Chevy Guy - 21 Dec 2004 03:28 GMT

Thanks for reminding me. There isnt much traffic in my area, but if i head
down to the detroit area, it will be a concern. Its just of matter of me
noting being lazy now and taking my grill off to put the cardboard in.

>> Whitelighting has a point. I have a 97 S-10 with a 4.3, after the truck
>> is fully warmed up and your driving it, you cant leave the floor setting
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>>> heat, it will drive you out of the cab lol.
>>> Whitelightning

Reply to this Message