My engine temp is very low. It never hits the mid mark on the temp gauge, usually hits 1/4 way up at the highest. My heat gets warm though.

Could low engine temp result in a less efficient motor? By that I mean, will the computer adjust the fuel/air mix for the lower temp? I would imagine this would result in less gas mileage.

By the way, I am getting 22mpg's on 80% highway @ 75mph. 20% city.

 

might be thermosat

 

First you need to test the guage by placing a thermometer in the radiator while its running.
That will tell you if its really at 180-190 like it NEEDS to be, or at 130 if the thermostat is stuck open.
The car will compensate- but not in a good way.
If it always thinks its still cold and on warm up cycle- it runs rich using more gas.

They make radiator caps with a guage built right in- see parts stores
Or just replace the thermostat and coolant and see what happens

On gen2 cars- we run 1 or 2 ticks below halfway all the time, AC or not, big hills, hot weather, cold weather.
In normal operation the thermostat opens and closes when needed allowing fluid from the engine to pass thru the radiator and cool itself down.
Buy it from Honda dealer- not generic thermo from a parts store.

 

I was leaning towards a new T-Stat.

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

Just for the record, my temp gauge act the same, I've never seen it higher than 1/4, and it takes long to get there. Can't tell if it's affecting the engine running condition tho. But what 01tl4tl said somehow make sense I guess.

 

That is exactly how mine is. It takes 20 minutes to get there.

I may go for the thermostat change. It may gain me a few more MPG's. Cheap to do anyway.

 

i just put in an order for a new t-stat... even though i just replaced it 35k miles ago... i suspect mine is stuck open since it takes a VERY long time to get up to operating temperature... i will do it next weekend along with a step by step picture write up for the 3.2L guys...

 

Sorry

What is a T-Stat?

Mine takes 5 min to reach normal operating temp.

I guess not to worry but I would like to know wth is a T-Stat lol

 

t-stat=thermostat

 

The reason modern engines operate at high temps (190-200F) and incorporate a pressurized water cooling system is to obtain maximum engine efficiency. A thermostat that does not operate at design temperature will reduce engine efficiency and fuel mileage.

A infra-red thermometer is really handy for measuring coolant temps. Point at thermostat housing and measure temp. These are availalbe at very reasonable prices and are a nice tool to have around.

good luck