'04 WRX wagon will not reach optimum temp

[a_not_fast_04_Wagon]

I've just taken my 04 WRX to work and found that it will not hit optimum operating temp. First i went to the garage and started the car and left it to idle foe about 5 minutes and the temp gauge had just moved off the bottom line, i then drove off boost for 10 minutes where the gauge red slightly above the bottom mark. then I started climbing gravel hills (I work at a mine) and the temp gauge would climb to just under the 1/3 mark then drop down again at the top of the hill.

[RaKid]

Your thermostat may be stuck open.

[a_not_fast_04_Wagon]

Thanks mate, any temporary fixes while i wait for the replacement? 

[thewabbit1]

2 hours ago, a_not_fast_04_Wagon said:

Thanks mate, any temporary fixes while i wait for the replacement? 

My cousin had a rover with a stuck thermostat so he just shoved an old sweatshirt in front of half the radiator. kept the temp up for the few years before he sold it.

 

(not suggesting you do this at all)

[a_not_fast_04_Wagon]

2 minutes ago, thewabbit1 said:

My cousin had a rover with a stuck thermostat so he just shoved an old sweatshirt in front of half the radiator. kept the temp up for the few years before he sold it.

 

(not suggesting you do this at all)

That is a very rover owner type fix. I like it.....
(Certainly wont be trying it though)

[boon]

I probably wouldn't go cane it like that but honestly I can't see it hurting the car significantly until you get yourself a new thermostat.

 

Just be glad your problem is your car being too cool, not too hot

 

EDIT: You can probably get a little more heat into it by running the aircon hard, if you don't mind freezing...

[RaKid]

12 hours ago, a_not_fast_04_Wagon said:

Thanks mate, any temporary fixes while i wait for the replacement? 

 

None that I've heard of and I wouldn't really recommend it anyway but I'm not a mechanic. It will chew through a little more fuel than normal.