Thermostat question

[TulsaSpider]

Last weekend I changed my timing belt and all hoses. My thermostat was previously installed incorrectly (thanks for pointing this out Mark). I re-installed it correctly and all was good. I was thinking it might behave differently but it hasn't. I am just curious because I am new to Fiat, about the correct temperature range. My experience has always been with small and big block Chevy motors. The themos in those do not let any water past until the engine warms up to "operating temp" Does Fiat not work this way? My question basically is imy car takes a looong time to get up to temp ?? IE not go up to the 190 mark until I sit in traffic a good while and when I am moving at speed goes down quite a bit. Will the thermo stick open? Or is this the norm? Hey at least I have no overheating problems eh??
Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

the stat can stick open, or it may be installed improperly. To test it, start the engine cold with the rad cap off. If you see \circulation then you have a problem

[TulsaSpider]

Easy enough Mark!

[TulsaSpider]

Well it seems that the coolant is flowing off the bat so I guess my thermo is stuck open huh?

[mbouse]

have you determined that it is installed properly?

[TulsaSpider]

This is how it looked in my book....

[So Cal Mark]

that is correct, it's either stuck open or gutted. Or, someone drilled a very large hole in it

[rlux4]

When I replaced mine during the fun trip to Oregon '08 I found three 1/4" holes in the stat. Then it made sense why the temp wasn't stable.
Ron

[TulsaSpider]

I'll get a new one then!

[TulsaSpider]

Say does anyone have a good used one? If not it can wait a bit... I need to tackle the brakes next! I need a third job!!!